The old Thompson Theatre is going out in style — glam rock style, that is. University Theatre’s current production, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, is the last to grace the stage of Thompson before it takes its final bow toward the upcoming renovations, which will last about two years.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is based on a French novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, which was published in 1782.

“It is a play written about people in a society of such riches that they want for nothing, so they turn their idleness, decadence and debauchery into parlor games, which destroy others’ lives and reputations,” said Terri Janney, who has been directing University Theatre plays for almost 30 years.

Moving On Up

After spending many years in Thompson Theatre, Janney’s feelings toward the upcoming renovations are bittersweet.

“It’s been home for a long time for many students, but the new improvements will become home to a whole other generation of student actors and technicians,” she said.

Indeed, Thompson Theatre has served campus for more than 80 years. Initially, it was the place for many basketball games and swim meets. Now, basketball has moved on and the swimming pool serves as Crafts Center storage, hidden under the floor.

Nearing a century in age, the architecture of Thompson Theatre is classic and exquisitely historical. It also makes for a host of problems — no central air conditioning, lack of handicap-accessible areas, archaic plumbing and a growing list of cracked, broken É you name it. And, as time goes on, so does the list.

Fortunately, the $16 million plan calls for the restoration of the outside architecture, and it calls for the entire building to be gutted.

The new theater will be designed accordingly to accommodate University Theatre and other Arts N.C. State functions. The renovated Thompson Theatre will offer a gallery in the main lobby, new bathrooms, comfortable chairs and, of course, central air.

The Last Show

Instead of being set in traditional 18th-century France, Les Liaisons Dangereuses is set in a glam rock era, reminiscient of The Who’s musical, Tommy, which has a Cruel Intentions-like plot. Marquise de Merteuil, played by Meisha Gourley, a junior in arts applications, and the Vicomte de Valmont, played by R. Andrew Payne, graduate student in public relations and communication, spend their days playing with people’s hearts for meaningless pleasure and no regard for the others involved.

This is Gourley’s eighth production with University Theatre. As for playing the part of Merteuil, she said this role has been “the most challenging, yet rewarding I have ever played.”

“She is manipulative and calculating,” Gourley said, “and has to dominate everyone in her world. She brings about the demise of all who stand in her way.”

Gourley said the renovations will help the Theatre program immensely by bringing and attracting new students, in more ways than one.

“Hopefully, the influx of more students will allow the University to address the needs of the theater and extend the number of theater arts courses available,” she said.

The Show Must Go On

Even though Les Liaisons Dangereuses is the final production setting foot in the old Thompson for a while, it doesn’t mean University Theatre is taking a sabbatical.

“University Theatre will continue with productions in Stewart Theatre, Talley Ballroom and Meredith College,” Janney said. “Our Theatre headquarters will be at Brickhaven.”

The cast and crew of Les Liaisons Dangereuses are proud to stand as the last production of the old Thompson Theatre.

“The theater has meant so much to so many people. I feel that it is incredible that I am able to be one of the last to tread Thompson’s boards,” Gourley said.

And, as the track record for old Thompson goes these days, that is probably a good thing.

“In a few years, no one will ever remember the old Thompson,” Janney said. “It’s been overdue.”