In step with current events, the drama “REALLY REALLY” will take its audience on an emotional rollercoaster. The play will leave viewers questioning just what it is that happened. In this sexually-charged work, the greed and ambition peel back alliances and illuminate the class struggle.
The Marinoff Theater, Shepherd’s 180-seat theater and multi purpose facility located in CCAII, has been used solely as a professional venue. It opened in 2013, and the CATF makes its home there. This play marks the inaugural student play to open there.
The play is written by Paul Downs Colaizzo and directed by Ed Herendeen, founder and producing director of the department of contemporary art and theater. Hannah Brumbaugh,a freshman elementary education major, is the stage manager, Casey Shank, a freshman nursing major, is the assistant stage manager and Patrick Wallace and Christina Smith are in production. Seven actors portray the cast that is willing to do just about anything to get what they want.
Eileen Waggoner, a senior English literature major, plays Leigh, a small town girl with big dreams from an underprivileged past.
Kaitlyn Miller, a sophomore nursing major, plays Grace, Leigh’s best friend and roommate who is on the fast track for greatness with her privileged past and overzealous attitude.
Theresa Christmas, a senior communications major, plays Haley, Leigh’s older sister with an eye on the prize who will stop at nothing to protect her sister.
Cody Brown, a sophomore computer information sciences major, plays Jimmy, a fraternity brother, rugby player and Leigh’s boyfriend who has to face the repercussions of her choices.
James Bunbera, a senior history major, plays Davis, Jimmy’s friend, fraternity brother and teammate whose high-brow upbringing and anger issues fuel his downward spiral and do nothing to prepare him for the battle to come.
Zach Perez, a graduate, plays Johnson, Jimmy’s friend and teammate who is intent on succeeding no matter what.
Tim Brooks, a senior psychology major, plays Cooper, Jimmy’s friend, fraternity brother and teammate whose entire take on life is to take it easy and please everyone.
The show means a lot to the cast members. They are passionate about the play and face the rigorous rehearsal schedule head on.
“The play is an eye opening show that expresses good and bad in people and situations they face. It brings to attention deep modern issues that audiences can relate to and see how one drunken mistake can destroy friendships and even lives. It’s an event that will leave more questions than answers, and highlights the power of one little mistake,” Brumbaugh said.
“It’s really intense; it’s just that emotionally there,” Brown said of the visceral emotions that Herendeen cultivates for the rehearsals.
“Johnson, he’s a straight laced character. He studies, he has good grades, he gets laid so he’s not a total nerd,” Perez said of his character.
Each actor has been given the assignment by Herendeen to know who they are and what they want from one another.
“Cooper just wants to have a good time. He needs people,” said Brooks.
“Grace would probably fear failure and rejection,” Miller said.
“Leigh prides herself on being a survivor,” Waggoner said
The chemistry within the cast is electric. All of the actors have become close and comfortable with each other. All are looking forward to participating in the first student-run production in The Marinoff Theater.
The theater has been exclusively used by the CATF and shows plays in the arena style. By displaying the work in that way, the actors are surrounded, and the audience gets a very intimate look into the heart of the work.
“I’m absolutely psyched! I can’t wait to be one of the first [students] to set foot in it and perform. I feel like it has been calling my name,” Brown said of working in The Marinoff Theater.
“It’s a gorgeous space and I am looking so forward to working in there,” Waggoner said.
The theme of the show is for mature audiences and explicit language is used.
Look for the green flyers around campus.
Show times are Nov. 6-8, 8 p.m., Nov. 9, 2 p.m. and Nov. 12 – 15, 8 p.m.
Tickets are free for SU students, staff and faculty. General public admission is $10. Tickets are sold at the door and no reservations will be taken.
The Marinoff Theater is located at CCAII 62 West Campus Drive
For more information go to www.shepherd.edu/TheaterWeb
Editor’s note: The writer of this story is a player in the drama.
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