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CORVALLIS, Ore. - The University Theatre program and the Department of Music at Oregon State University are combining on a joint production of two one-act plays that will begin a five-performance run on April 27 at the Withycombe Hall lab theater on campus.

Billed as "An Evening of American Opera," the performance will feature Seymour Barab's, "A Game of Chance," and Douglas Moore's adaptation of Stephen Vincent Benet's classic short story, "The Devil and Daniel Webster."

Performances are scheduled for April 27-29 at 7:30 p.m., and April 29-30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $12 for general admission, $9 for seniors and $6 for students. Seating at the lab theater is limited and latecomers cannot be seated because of the layout.

"These are two very different works with distinctive music styles and stories, yet both operas provide an entertaining mix of characters, unexpected plot twists and beautiful melodies," said Marion O. Rossi, who will direct the performances.

"A Game of Chance" tells the story of three knitters (portrayed by Savannah Kravitz, Megan Mattoon and Alexis Smith) who are bored with their humdrum lives. Fateful visits from "the representative" (Steve Becic) result in their wildest dreams coming true - along with bittersweet lessons for each of them.

In "The Devil and Daniel Webster," a cast of 17 performers tells the classic tale of New Hampshire farmer Jabez Stone (Scott Ingham), who sold his soul to the devil (Stephanie Hower) in exchange for prosperity and success. His new wife Mary (Emily Tyler) convinces Jabez to enlist the fiery Daniel Webster (OSU graduate Erik Hundtoft) to fight the devil for his freedom in a court of law.

Sisters Amy and Heidi Severin provide musical accompaniment for the show and serve as characters in the opera. Other cast members for 'Daniel Webster' include Angela Alvarez, Katie Badowski, April Brown, David Elliott, Andrew Hancock, Jennifer Lange, Tyson Morgan, Amanda Osman, Carrie Sigloh, Bob Simons and Jennifer Webb.

Carol Lucas of the Portland Opera serves as musical director; Tina Bull and Richard Poppino, from the OSU Music Department, also provide musical guidance and direction. Barbara Mason of the University Theatre designed the costumes, while colleague George Caldwell is design and technical adviser. Jeni Armstrong, an OSU student, is production stage manager.

More information is available by calling the University Theatre box office at 737-2784.