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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Ironically, the "Night of January 16th," a play soon to be performed by a Masque Community Theatre cast, contains dialogue about societal issues 75 years ago that continue to plague our country today.

The production, written in 1934 by Ayn Rand, involves philandering, money swindling, murder and suicide, all matters that decades later still make headlines.

However, the courtroom performance is unlike most from both eras, in that 12 members of the audience are picked as jury members. Also, whether the jury finds the defendant in the case guilty or not, the actors are prepared with the appropriate lines for either outcome.

The play is directed by Joshua Sussman, 57, a University of South Florida graduate with a degree in theater who has performed across the country. The producer is his wife, Petra.

The characters in the drama include Karen Andre, a woman who is the secretary and mistress of Bjorn Faulkner, a famous and wealthy businessman she is accused of murdering but who tries to make his death appear to be a suicide.

Andre's defense attorney is Ms. Stevens, who admires the peculiar relationship between Andre and Faulkner. Mr. Flint, the prosecuting attorney, favors adhering to traditional family values.

"A director's most important job is casting, and I have been blessed with a wonderful cast," said Joshua Sussman.

USF theater major Shaina Swartz of Temple Terrace plays the role of Ms. Stevens, whom she has dubbed as Catherine "Cat" Stevens.

"I like my character because I can kind of identify with her Karen Andre and Bjorn Faulkner," she said.

Autumn Barthelemy, cast as Karen Andre, has been acting in plays for several years.

"The role is very different from myself, but it's fun," said the USF psychology major.

A set built by Masque volunteers will mask the TV monitors and microphones in the Temple Terrace Council chambers at City Hall, where the production will be staged.

"The show lends itself very well to that venue," said Masque artist director Bob Starley.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Masque Community Theatre's "Night of January 16th"

WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 22

WHERE: Temple Terrace City Hall, 11250 N. 56th St.

COST: $14 for adults; $12 for students, military personnel and seniors 55 and older; $10 for children 12 and younger

INFORMATION: Visit www.masquetheatre.net or call (813) 983-1710. Tickets may be purchased by check, cash or credit card and will be available at the door.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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