This article was updated Oct. 1, 2018 in regards to changes in Drury theatre’s upcoming production schedule. 

In spite of many hardships faced throughout the years, Drury’s theatre department happily marches on. This semester, three plays are currently in various stages of production.

“Edward Gant’s Amazing Feats of Loneliness”

“Edward Gant’s Amazing Feats of Loneliness” is the first and some would say the strangest show in the season. It is also the most recent, having been first produced in the early 2000s. Its youth  drew Drury alumna and director, Haddy Kreie, to the play.

When asked by department head Dr. Mick Sokol to select a play, Kreie had certain criteria that needed to be met. She wanted an ensemble piece with at least four characters that had comedic elements and an absurdist approach to theatre.

What Kreie found was a show that is, in her own words, “kinda weird.”

“It’s a grotesque comedy about chasing our passions despite our suffering,” said Kreie.

Told through a series of short magical realism stories, playwright Anthony Nielson offers the audience a unique look at melancholy and theatre itself. Kreie’s play opens Oct. 10 and runs until Oct. 13. It will be held at the Sunderland Black Box Theatre.

“Godspell”

“Godspell” is this year’s musical at Drury. The musical features music from Stephen Schwartz, famous for his work in “Wicked.” The show takes look at the story of Christ through a series of biblical parables.

According to Christopher Maxwell, the actor portraying Jesus, “’Godspell’ is a show focused on community.

“I’m really excited to find out how this community—the community at Drury—comes together to create a unique show,” he said.

He also discussed how the show is purposely left open to creative interpretations. This applies to characters, themes and the setting. Director Josh Inmon is taking advantage of this ambiguity by  setting the play in a bar and using it to enunciate the themes of community.

“Godspell” opens Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 17 with no shows on Nov. 11 and 12. It will be performed at the Sunderland Black Box Theatre.

(Rehearsal. Photo via Jacob Maher.)

A special dedication

This season is dedicated to Dr. Robin Schraft, the beloved theatre professor, director and department head who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer in 2017. The bicycle painted on the set of “Godspell” was created as a tribute to him.

Kreie also talked of how the lessons Dr. Schraft taught her while she attended Drury have carried over into her directing.

“He taught me to take things that might be challenging for our audiences and figure out how to make them work without risking the integrity of the play itself,” she said.

For more information about prices, times and general questions, contact the box office. It is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. The phone number is (417) 873-7255.

Written by Jacob Maher.