Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes is joined by her father, Senator Alan Hughes, as she accepts the nomination as Surgeon General on national television

See what happens when politics and theater mix as TheatreUNCA stages Wendy Wasserstein’s “An American Daughter” November 15-19 at UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre.

In an age of heightened media pressure, “An American Daughter” explores the many campaign demands politicians face. The political satire documents the story of Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes, a respected doctor and women’s rights activist, who is nominated for Surgeon General. Unfortunately, Dr. Hughes is quickly faced with a political frenzy as the media finds out about a petty past indiscretion. When she asks for the aid of her father, a long-standing Republican senator, Hughes faces a tough choice: stick to her principles and risk losing the campaign or play the media’s game.

“An American Daughter” is directed by Laura Facciponti, UNC Asheville associate professor of drama. Drama Department Assistant Professor Robert Berls designed the set and Associate Professor Robert Bowen designed sound. Costumes were designed by UNC Asheville senior Ashleigh Poteat, and senior Brian Sneeden designed lights. The faculty-student cast includes Associate Professor of Music Charles McKnight as Senator Alan Hughes, sophomore Sarah Forbes as Dr. Lyssa Hughes and junior Forrest Mason as Lyssa’s husband, Walter.

TheatreUNCA presents this play as a tribute to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Wendy Wasserstein, who died last January.

Curtain is 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 senior citizens and $5 students. Because of the intimate size of Carol Belk Theatre and often heavy demand for tickets, advance purchase is strongly advised. Tickets may be charged by phone by calling 828/232-2291 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are also available at the box office two hours before each curtain and online at www.unca.edu/drama.

For more information, call UNC Asheville’s Drama Department at 828/251-6610.