Furman’s Theatre Department is currently in rehearsals for its upcoming production, “Clever Little Lies,” directed by Professor Rhett Bryson. The play was published in 2016 and written by New Jersey playwright Joe DiPietro.
The play, which contains adult themes and language, centers around a family of five: a mother and father, their adult son and his wife, and their infant daughter. Bryson stated that this small cast was part of the reason he selected this play since many of the Theatre Arts majors are currently studying abroad in England.
When asked about the experience of working on his first college show, Matthew Sides ’26, who plays Billy, stated, “I have really enjoyed working with this smaller cast. It has allowed me to form much tighter connections with my fellow actors. Despite being a freshman non-major, the [Theatre Department] has welcomed me with open arms.”
Bryson further noted that “Clever Little Lies” was an alluring play to him because the themes of fidelity, transparency and trust that the show addresses are so relevant today. When asked what he hopes the audience gains from watching the show, he said, “I hope the audience reacts positively to the show and that it might cause them to reflect on the issues raised by the play in their own lives and experiences.”
When asked about the process of developing the show, he added, “The show is a process of discovery and development. The company attempts to find ways to use theatrical techniques to tell a compelling story for the audience.”
Jason Roberts ‘23, who is playing Bill Sr., stated that the play is “at its core about trust and what happens when the people you love lose your trust. It asks the audience to think about the lies that we all tell each other and ourselves every day, and what those little lies add up to.” He hopes that the audience “sees a bit of themselves onstage, and is able to feel the weight of the lies each character tells.”
While this show is meant to make the audience reflect on their own lives, it is also packed with plenty of humorous moments from the erratic dynamics between the family members.
“Clever Little Lies” opens on November 15th at 7:30 P.M., and runs until the 19th, with a matinee on the 20th at 2 P.M. The show is a Cultural Life Program credit for Furman students. It is important to note that this show is for mature audiences only.
Tickets are on sale online now, and they can also be purchased through the Box Office starting Monday, November 7th. Tickets cost $5 for Furman students, $10 for Furman Associated, and $15 for General Admission. Additionally, an “All Access Flex Pass,” which provides you with four tickets to the season, can be purchased online for $25.
