ɫͼ

MSU to present its 100th anniversary theatre production of “The Whole Town’s Talking”

By Dr. Brent Menchinger | Nov 10, 2023

The Whole Town's Talking cast

Standing from left to right: Samantha Brannigan (freshman theatre major from Cape Girardeau, Missouri), Landon Kahre (sophomore theatre major from Henderson, Kentucky), Karley Yahl (freshman theatre major from St. Louis, Missouri), Olivia Beech (senior theatre major from Louisville, Kentucky), Holden Mast (junior theatre major from O’Fallon, Illinois), Maia Annalise (sophomore theatre major from Vienna, Illinois), Madilyn Dudley (sophomore theatre major from Milan, Tennessee), Chloe LaDon (sophomore theatre major from ɫͼ, Kentucky) and Hannah Foote (senior theatre minor from ɫͼ, Kentucky). Seated from left to right: Danny Preklas (sophomore theatre major from Paducah, Kentucky), Zacharie Lamb (music major/theatre minor from Mayfield, Kentucky) and Jackson Bell (sophomore theatre major from ɫͼ, Kentucky).

MURRAY, Ky. – The Department of Global Languages and Theatre Arts at ɫͼ State University celebrates its 100th anniversary of theatre by presenting “The Whole Town’s Talking,” last performed in 1924-1925. “The Whole Town’s Talking” was written by Anita Loos and John Emerson.

The show will be presented Nov. 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Robert E. Johnson Theatre, located on the first floor of Price Doyle Fine Arts at ɫͼ State University. The cost is $15 per ticket and all seating is general admission. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the tickets tab at  or by visiting , and in the search bar, type “ɫͼ State.” Individuals with special needs or requests can contact the department’s office at 270-809-4421 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

From the Department of Global Languages and Theatre Arts: “This farce, set in the 1920’s, is about a father’s attempt to marry off his daughter to his bashful business partner. The girl prefers a man of the world. Our hero suddenly digs up a wicked past for himself. So, a story is contrived that the partner had a love affair with a movie star. All goes well until the movie star and her jealous boyfriend arrive in town.”

Quotes from cast members:

Holden Mast, a junior theatre/film major with a mass communications minor from O'Fallon, Illinois: “I feel very honored to be a part of the 100th anniversary production of this show! Chester Binney has been a wild, unrelenting experience and I've had so much fun with this show! Come on down and we'll get the whole town talking about it!”

Olivia Beach, a senior theatre major from Louisville, Kentucky: “I have had such a wonderful time with this show and this amazing cast. The laughter is infectious and I just know that this show will be a hit. Ethel is such a fun and sweet character to play and I’m so honored to be a part of the 100th anniversary show!” 

Zacharie Lamb, a junior ɫͼ of Music-musical theatre major from Mayfield, Kentucky: “I'm honored to have been given a leading role in the ɫͼ State University Theatre Department's centennial production of "The Whole Town's Talking.” This show provides a unique window into performing arts culture of the early 20th century. While some of the lingo we may have only heard before from our great-grandparents, the cast has had an absolute blast getting to bring this show to life, and I hope audiences get just as much enjoyment out of watching it as we have performing it!”

Maia Annalise, a sophomore theatre major: “I am incredibly honored to be in this show. I feel like I am a part of history. Who knows, maybe in another 100 years someone will feel the same way. I will always remember you Mrs. Hattie Simmons!”

Take the next step

© ɫͼ State University Department of Web ManagementWe are Racers.