Spoon River Anthology, directed by Theatre Professor, Marnie Brennan, revisits the deceased inhabitants of a small town to artfully explore the secrets they took with them to the grave. Frequently uplifting and always thought provoking, this notable play with music uses humor, drama, and passion to form a compelling series of vignettes. Through monologues and song, the stories of lovers, ministers, teachers, soldiers and more, interweave in a tapestry of pleasure and pathos providing audience members with an accomplished and engaging theatrical experience. The characters and their experiences were created by Masters from his memories of actual residents of two Illinois towns, Lewistown and Petersburg.
Written in 1914-15, the Anthology was, and continues to be, original, provocative and influential, and its literary significance has been compared with Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass. Scholar William Marion Reedy said that Masters "wrote the life of man everywhere, or at least everywhere in America." The play is faithful to Masters' book of poems, using the people in one small-town graveyard to paint a broader picture of America and its people. Although Spoon River Anthology examines the truth of morality, this vibrant production is ultimately about life, for as one of the townspeople states, "It takes life to love life."
In this unique presentation, eight actors remain on the graveyard set the entire performance, changing costumes and props onstage to transform into each of sixty-four characters portrayed. The following actors will be featured: Sean Adams, Myron Byas, Shari Pletz, Elizabeth Schiavo, Ada Smith-Sparling, Tristan Stasiulis, Maggie Stroyan and Steve Ziegler. The stage manager is Carol Williams. Vocals by Nathan Delp and Brianne Upchurch. Guitar accompaniment by Nathan Delp.
Spoon River Anthology features a set designed by Dave Olmsted, Acting Scenic Designer/Production Manager, complimented by lighting created Lori Friedlander, Theatre Technical Director, and costumes designed by Brenda Eppley, Associate Theatre Professor.
Public performance nights for Spoon River Anthology are Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 at 8pm. Adult ticket price is $9 and student price is $7. The Box Office phone is 231- ROSE (7673). Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. This performance is not appropriate for children under 15 years of age. There will be no admission after the performance begins.