“Eurydice” brings humor, whimsy and romance to Umble stage
Fall Mainstage: “Eurydice”
Date and time: Nov. 14, 15, 22 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 16, 23 at 3 p.m.
Location: Goshen College Umble Center
Cost: $10 general, $5 students/seniors/GC employees. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Welcome Center by contacting (574) 535-7566, welcomecenter@goshen.edu or online at www.goshen.edu/tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the Umble Center box office one hour before the show.
The Goshen College Theater Department will blend romance, death, humor, whimsy, music and poetry in Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice,” a contemporary retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus.
The 2014 fall mainstage production, directed by Michelle Milne, assistant professor of theater, will be presented on Nov. 14, 15 and 22 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 16 and 23 at 3 p.m. (ASL interpreted) in Goshen College’s Umble Center.
Ruhl’s contemporary version of the Greek myth is told from the perspective of Eurydice, the wife of Orpheus. The story centers on Eurydice’s choice to return to Earth with Orpheus or to remain in an Alice-in-Wonderland-esque underworld with her father.
“Eurydice loves literature, and her new husband Orpheus loves music,” said Milne. “They attempt to communicate through these related but different languages—literature and music—leading to some communication challenges, as well as delightfully playful dialogue.”
Milne explained that the play incorporates elements of magical realism. For example, characters are sent from life to death and back again, and Eurydice builds a room out of string.
“Ruhl’s ‘Eurydice’ lends itself to playful, dreamlike and creative interpretation of staging, design and character, an exciting opportunity for all ensemble members,” Milne said.
The cast includes Christina Hofer, a junior theater and interdisciplinary studies major from Dolton, South Dakota, as Eurydice; Paul Zehr, a senior music and theater major from Carthage, New York, as Orpheus; Martin Flowers, a senior music and theater major from Nappanee, Indiana; Sarah Lake-Rayburn, a senior theater major from Champaign, Illinois; Nick Peebles, a sophomore theater and communication major from Chicago, Illinois; Lea Ramer, a sophomore social work major from Fort Collins, Colorado; and Megan Yordy, a first-year history and peace, justice and conflict studies major from Rochelle, Illinois.
“Eurydice” is produced by Doug Liechty Caskey, professor of theater. The production team includes Andrew Moeggenborg, assistant professor of theater, technical director and set designer; Sandy Slabaugh, production assistant; Martin Flowers, acting coach; Angie Troyer, stage manager and props designer; Riley Woods, light designer; Mary Seeck, costume designer; Jake Smucker, sound composer; Hannah Sauder, hair and makeup designer; Melanie Hertzler, dramaturgy; Paul Zehr, assistant technical director; Ben Ganger, assistant stage manager and master electrician; Brett Conrad, assistant stage manager and master carpenter; Tabitha Immanuel, light board operator; Leah Stebly, hair and makeup; Noemi Salvador, hair and makeup; Jacob Zehr, sound board operator; Brianna Brubaker, interpreter; Mia Engle, interpreter; and Clara Beck, house manager.
The performance will run approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets cost $10 general admission, $5 students/seniors/GC employees, and can be purchased in advance through the Welcome Center by contacting (574) 535-7566, welcomecenter@goshen.edu or online at www.goshen.edu/tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the Umble Center box office one hour before the show.
-By Kate Yoder