Students, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to Studio One in the Walgreen Drama Center for a staged reading of the play Little Bit, which will serve as the backdrop for Theater 399, a cross-listed class between Screen Arts & Culture and the Department of Theatre & Drama (Winter 2016) featuring filmed scenes designed by lecturer Dawn Hollison and a live stage play directed by professors Priscilla Lindsay and John Neville Andrews.

The script, written by local playwright Mary Butler, is largely based on professor Caryl Flinn's book Brass Diva: The Life and Legends of Ethel Merman. Butler’s work is a philosophical exploration of mental illness that manages to find moments of humor as it highlights the short life of Merman's daughter "Little Bit" who suffered from depression and anxiety disorders.

Lindsay will direct the reading which will include area professional actors, student actors, and the talents of two visiting actresses, Rita McKenzie, longtime Ethel Merman tribute artist, and Barbara Geary, Ethel Merman's granddaughter and accomplished actress, director, playwright, and artist.