Stage Door is set to cap off a successful year of productions for the University Theatre Ensemble. Opening this Friday 3 November, the play will be the final Riverina Playhouse production for third year Charles Sturt University (CSU) Acting for Screen and Stage students. Set in post-Depression 1930s New York, it is the tale of the show that closes early, of talent unrecognized, and the attraction of motion pictures and fast money. Director Bagryana Popov said it is a play about integrity and true love of the theatre. “Not much has changed from then to today. The world of the actor is as magical as it is fragile. It takes a lot of strength to hold on and to keep going, no matter what.” Stage Door was written by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman in 1936. The stage hit, notable for its predominantly female cast, became a hit movie in 1937 featuring a cast that included Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball and Eve Arden. It drew much praise and critical acclaim for the sparkling dialogue, excellent performances and easy shifts between comedy and drama. It received Academy Award nominations including one for Best Picture. Bagryana Popov has previously worked with CSU directing The House of Bernarda Alba in 2004. She has worked as an actor, theatre maker and director for 17 years. She was one of the founding members of Hildegard, performing, and co-producing in Woman in the Wall, The Wedding, Al Andalus, Inje and Three Sisters. Stage Door runs until 18 November and tickets can be booked at the Civic Theatre Booking Office, telephone 02 6926 9688, or purchased at the door. Tickets may also be booked online at www.civictheatre.com.au.