Ed Herendeen is directing Shepherd University’s fall theater production of “In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play)” by Sarah Ruhl. The play, a Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama, will be presented November 4 19 on Shepherd’s campus in the Studio Theater at Sara Cree Hall.

“In the Next Room” is the exciting, empowering, and electrifying story of a scientist who invented an extraordinary new device used to treat “hysteria” in women: The vibrator. Set during the dawn of electricity, this comedy shakes society’s views on sexuality and equality while questioning what intimacy really means.

“In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play)” was heralded as “smart, delicate and very, very funny” by the New York Post and “Insightful, fresh and funny as rich in thought as in feeling” by The New York Times. The 2010 Broadway production was nominated for three Tony Awards, including “Best Play”.

The acting ensemble includes: Justin Batton, a Shepherd alumnus from Martinsburg, WV; Amber Daniel, a Sociology major from Clear Brook, VA; Leslie Hencke, an Elementary Education major from Petersburg, WV; Todd Jones, a BFA student from Hedgesville, WV; Caity See, a Mass Communications major from Moorefield, WV; Bryan Staggers, a Communications major from Keyser, WV; and Eileen Waggoner, a Political Science major from Hedgesville, WV. Scenic and costume design is by Margaret McKowen; lighting design by Brittany Shemuga; and sound design by Christina Smith. Patrick Wallace is serving as Production Manager and Trent Kugler as Technical Director.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and free for Shepherd University staff, faculty, and students. Box Office opens one hour prior to curtain on a first come, first serve basis; there are no advance reservations. The performances will take place in the Studio Theater in Sara Cree Hall, which is located at 310 North King Street in Shepherdstown, WV. Performance days are November 4 6, 9 13, and 16 19; curtain start times are 8pm Wednesday to Saturday and 2pm on Sunday-there is no late seating. There will be a “pay-what-you-can” preview performance on November 3 at 8pm.

Note: “In the Next Room” contains adult situations and brief nudity. For complete production information, visit www.shepherd.edu/theaterweb.