ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona’s spring theatre production, “The Wake of Jamey Foster” by Beth Henley, will run at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, and Friday, March 22, in the Wolf Kuhn Theatre of the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts.

An eccentric Mississippi family gathers for the obligatory wake of their not-so-dearly-beloved relative. Through moments of laughter and absurdity, “The Wake of Jamey Foster” explores how our behavior changes in stressful situations and just how differently we process the deaths of our loved ones. This production is directed by Leila McCrumb, a graduate of Penn State Altoona and part-time instructor in theatre at the college.

"Our program has grown so much in just the last year, I couldn't wait to take on a piece with so many contrasting, personality-driven characters. It's a drama dressed up as a comedy, and it's grandiose: complete with a two-story set and a boatload of props," McCrumb said. "Everyone's wanted to get their hands on this thing, from students, to faculty and staff, and even members of the community. It's impossible not to feel the magic of the theatre when so many people have poured their hearts and souls into the making of a production."

This performance is free and open to the public through support of the Kjell Meling Arts for All Initiative. For further information, call 814-949-5452.