The NIU School of Theater and Dance put on “Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage” Thursday for the show’s opening night. The play was performed in the Corner Theater of the Stevens building in front of a sold out crowd. The twisted comedy of a washed-up rodeo star and her live-in boyfriend received roars of laughter from the audience.

The story took place in a small country home, in a small country town, which the sets clearly displayed. In front of all black walls, the scenery was creatively created out of cardboard, with
John Wayne posters scattered across them. A real stove, refrigerator and small cupboard added a touch of 3-D to the set. Budweiser cans and Jack Daniels bottles littered the stage and served as perfect accents to the shotgun on the wall and the bail of hay in the corner. In between scenes, familiar country music flowed from the speakers, instantly setting the tone for the play.

The quaint home of Big 8, played by Katie Stone, and Rob Bob, played by Conner Billings-Clark, is suddenly turned upside down when SheDevil, played by Ellen DeSitter, the estranged, pregnant wife of Big 8’s son, shows up on their door step. SheDevil is equipped with flaming pink hair and an artificial hand which she claims was chopped off by her ex, a one-eyed Ukrainian named Black Dog, played by Josh Bottiglier. Not until Shirl, played by Summer Ferrara, and her boyfriend Baxter Blue, played by Leonard LeGrand, join the show do the real antics start. An accidental murder, framing and butchering are just a few of the troubles SheDevil brings upon Big 8’s house.

The actors got a standing ovation from the crowd, not to mention consistent laughter throughout. Slightly shocking, raunchy and surprising, the show was extremely well received by the audience.

“Flaming Guns” will run until Oct. 11, and tickets are on sale for $5 at the Box Office in Stevens.

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