"Dinner," a contemporary comedy about a dinner party that goes awry, will be staged by Coastal Carolina University faculty and students beginning April 16 at the Edwards Black Box Theatre, located in the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts building.

The production will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24 and 25; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19.

This dark comedy by Moira Buffini was first produced at Great Britain's National Theatre in 2003. Paige, the hostess, has a reputation for throwing excellent dinner parties. After her husband publishes his latest book, Paige gives a dinner to celebrate. The guests -- an erotic artist, a germ scientist, a party crasher and a mysterious waiter procured on the Internet -- make the dinner one the audience won't soon forget.

The University production, directed by theatre professor Sandi Shackelford, features a cast of dramatic arts and musical theatre majors. Meghan Parker, a senior from Landenberg, Pa., plays Paige. Other performers include Brandon Clark, a sophomore from Surfside Beach; Ava Hill, a senior from Charleston; Meghan Perry, a junior from Newberry; Mason Reich, a senior from Winston-Salem, N.C.; Brittany Taylor, a senior from Annapolis, Md.; and Jason Wiggins, a senior from Baltimore, Md.

Tickets may be picked up from the Wheelwright Box Office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or 30 minutes prior to the performance. General admission is $12; seniors and alumni, $8; Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) students, one $3 ticket per valid ID; Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty and staff, two $6 tickets per valid ID; teens, $3. Children are admitted free with a ticket but must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact the Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-2502.