The life of the working poor comes to the stage at FPU presents "Nickel and Dimed" as its fall mainstage production.

"Nickel and Dimed" will be at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 8-10 and 15-17, in Ashley Auditorium on the FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, south of the intersection of Chestnut and Butler. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens. For more, call the Arts Office at 559-453-2267.
 

Barbara Ehrenreich wrote a bestselling book about leaving her middle class life to take on jobs as a waitress, retail clerk, personal and hotel housekeeper and caretaker in a facility for people with Alzheimer's. "Nickel and Dimed, on (Not) Getting by in America" is her account of getting by (or not) on low-paying jobs. Joan Holden adapted the book into a play in 2005.

The audience is invited to join discussions after the play November 8 and 10, when cast and faculty members discuss the issues raised by the production. Actors include Jennifer Smith, Tulare; Donna Carr, Sanger; Stephen Kodur, Dinuba; Nicole Lanctot, Clovis; Ebony Marquez, Orosi; Lorena Velasquez, Leemore; and Melody Whiteaker, Morgan Hill. Julia Reimer, drama program director, directs the play.