The hustle, the con and the deal

The Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance continues its season March 18 through 23 with Mauritius, directed by Ron Gural, professor of theater at Tulane University. The play is named for the rare and valuable one and two penny Mauritius stamps, a coveted find for collectors and opportunists alike.

C.J. Standley plays Mr. Sterling and Tori Gural plays Jackie, as the Department of Theatre and Dance presents a suspenseful noir-esque drama directed by Tori Gural's father, theater professor Ron Gural. (Photo by Erin Cessna)

“I enjoy working with students on a contemporary American play and, in particular, this piece, which takes a look at the all-American game of the hustle, the con and the deal in a way in which, I hope, is both exciting and amusing,” says Gural, who teaches acting, directing and video production. “I also enjoy the chance to work with my daughter for the first time in a production at Tulane.”

Working with her father as director is great, says Tori Gural, a Tulane senior, “because my dad is a really awesome director, and I love getting to see him more often. It's hard at times, 'cause he's tough, but it'll make for a great show in the end.”

Other students in the cast are sophomore Justine Magowan, senior Brendan Bowen and juniors Duncan Becker and C.J. Standley.

The Hollywood Reporter suggests, “One wouldn't think that the subject of rare stamps would make for gripping, entertaining theater, but Theresa Rebeck's Mauritius proves otherwise.” Rebeck is an award-winning writer who has worked on "NYPD Blue" and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent."

General admission tickets are available at the Lupin Theatre Box Office for $12, with $9 tickets available for members of the Tulane community, and $8 tickets for students and seniors.