"POPart: The Musical," an original musical presented by Coastal Carolina University's Department of Theatre, will open Thursday, Oct. 30 in Wheelwright Auditorium and run through Nov. 8.

This irreverent and campy musical, by Coastal Carolina University professors Daryl L. Fazio (book) and Aaron McAllister (music), is the story of an impressionable, slightly batty young woman named Kitty Katz. Feeling a misfit in her parents' gated suburban community, she longs to create a new and different life for herself by escaping to art school. Kitty's oddball odyssey from suburbia to ghetto to SoHois all about acceptance, genius, insanity and the inspiration of art.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 and 31, Nov. 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. Tickets are $12 general admission; seniors and alumni, $8; Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) students, $3; Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty and staff, $6; teens (11 to 17), $3; children 10 and under, free.

Amanda Jeter, a freshman musical theatre major, plays Kitty. The cast also includes Amelia Hammond, Caroline Cuseo, Mason Reich, James Wells, T.J. Pass, Meghan McCormick, Chad Bagwell and Devin Anderson. A total of 25 student performers are in the ensemble cast.

The production is directed by Monica Bell, assistant professor of theatre, who has appeared in more than 70 productions and directed many works both in academic and professional theatre. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Denison University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee, Professional Theatre Training Program.

Fazio, assistant professor of visual art and graphic design, joined the Coastal Carolina University faculty in 2006. She earned a bachelor's degree in theater from Northwestern University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in graphic design from the University of Memphis. Fazio is a part-time playwright who has produced off-Broadway plays in New York City.

McAllister is an assistant professor of theater. He earned a bachelor's degree in vocal performance and conducting from the State University of New York at Geneseo and a master's degree in conducting from the University of Maryland. McAllister has taught musical theater repertoire, scene study, musical theater history and theory skills. He has directed and conducted some 40 musicals and cabarets in both professional and educational theatre.

For ticket information or reservations, call the Wheelwright Box Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 843-349-2502.