A milestone in the history of our Backdoor Playhouse coincides with a production of Tom Cone’s adaptation of the classic Carlo Goldoni comedy "Servant of Two Masters."

Faculty adviser Dorothy Pennebaker looks on during a script reading of "The Unexpected Guest," a 1950s production of the Tech Players.

The show — which opens at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 21 — commemorates both the 50th anniversary of the Tech Players and the 15th annual Dorothy Printz Pennebaker Memorial spring production.

The Vancouver Sun describes Cone’s adaptation of Goldoni’s original as “a piece of theatrical history transformed and adapted for the contemporary stage” — and in celebration of the Tech Players’ 50th anniversary, the production will feature more than just a little of its own theatrical history.

A newly dedicated oil painting of Pennebaker, who founded the drama troupe, will be displayed during the show’s run, and audience members will be treated to a picture presentation of historic campus productions and a printed list of all the known plays presented by the Tech Players.

“We’re trying to make that list as complete as possible, but at the same time, we hope it invites conversation and feedback that leads us to even greater levels of information and knowledge,” says Artistic Director Mark Creter.

"The Lion in Winter," 1974

The highlight of the anniversary celebration is a reception to honor all current and past Tech Players at noon on Sunday, April 24, in the main lobby of the Jere Whitson Building, where the Backdoor Playhouse is located. The public is invited to the reception, which will be followed by a 2 p.m. matinee performance.

“The cast of this fun, fast-paced show includes a representative sampling of both student and community actors,” Creter says.

The show — presented in partnership with Samuel French, Inc. — begins at 8 p.m. on April 21, 22, 23, 26, 29 and 30; at 10 p.m. on April 25 and 28; and at 2 p.m. on April 24.

"Steel Magnolias," 2003

Tickets for the play, a Center Stage event, are $8 for general admission, $6 for senior citizens, $4 for non-TTU students and $3 for employees at TTU Employee Appreciation Night on Tuesday, April 26.

For more information, call the Backdoor Playhouse box office at 6595.