The SHSU Department of Theatre and Dance will present the play “Great Expectations” by Barbara Field, adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens Oct. 30 through Nov 2. Show times are at 8 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Nov. 2. All performances will take place in SHSU’s University Theatre Center Mainstage. Director Maureen McIntyre said this is a play that speaks to us today. “It has a lot to do with growing up and stepping away from a persons backgrounds and it is outrageously funny,” she said. “The play captures the same spirit and style of the literary classic.” With a cast of 20 students, some of the actors have learned two new dialects and also have multiple rolls. “The story is a beautiful adaptation of the 1840s to the 1860s of Pip’s journey in England, to becoming a gentleman,” McIntyre said. “Along the way, he meets funny, dangerous and touchy people.” She said the play deals with many issues about love and lust, friendship and betrayal, guilt and innocence and hope.The character Pip is played by SHSU’s musical theatre major Charles Swan along with Steven Kemp staring as Herbert and Denise Williamson as Estella.Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for senior citizens and SHSU students with an I.D. Group rates are also available. For more information, call the University Center at 294-1339.