‘Dead Man’s Cell Phone’ opens at UFV in January

University of the Fraser Valley presents the Pulitzer Prize finalist play 'Dead Man's Cell Phone.'

Brandon Mindel and Virginia Cooke in rehearsal for “A Dead Man’s Cell Phone.”

Brandon Mindel and Virginia Cooke in rehearsal for “A Dead Man’s Cell Phone.”

Incessant ringing from a cell phone, a frustrated customer, and a dead man sets the opening scene in a cafe for the University of the Fraser Valley Theatre’s production of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.”

Written by Sarah Huhl, the play is a past Pulitzer Prize finalist. It examines the way in which humans memorialize the dead, and how those rituals impact us.

It also tells the story of a woman who confronts her own morality and her need to connect with others in a technologically-obsessed world.

The cast includes Renee Reeve as Jean, J.D. Dueckman as Gordon (the dead man), UFV english instructor Virginia Cooke as Mrs. Gottlieb, Colleen Plenert as Hermia and Brandon Mindel as Dwight. Other actors include Natasha Ray, Liam Archer and Melissa Harris. Directing will be theatre’s department head, Dr. Bruce Kirkley.

The play opens on Friday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m., at the UFV Chilliwack campus, at 45635 Yale Rd.

Shows continue on Jan. 14, and Jan. 18-21 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Sunday Jan. 15, and Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.

Audiences can also preview the performance on Wednesday Jan. 11 and Thursday Jan. 12 for half price.

Tickets range from $9 to $20. To purchase, call 604-795-2814, email theatre@ufv.ca, or visit http://www.ufv.ca/theatre

Abbotsford News