'Not Without Laughter' opens Feb. 1 at Purple Masque Theatre
Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018
Ebony Theatre and K-State Theatre will present the play "Not Without Laughter" Feb. 1-3 and 8-11 in the Purple Masque Theatre.
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance will present "Not Without Laughter" Feb. 1-3 and 8-11 in West Stadium's Purple Masque Theatre. All performances will be at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Feb. 11.
Produced by Ebony Theatre and K-State Theatre, "Not Without Laughter "is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by noted poet and writer Langston Hughes. Set in a small Kansas town at the turn of the last century, it tells the poignant story of an African-American boy’s coming of age and the harsh and painful realities of life in segregated America. Sandy is an idealist with a voracious appetite for books. He dreams of using his power of words to effect change. This story weaves the together the magical qualities of humanity: pain, love and laughter.
Tickets are $16 for the general public; $14 for seniors, military, faculty and staff; and $11 for students and youth. They can be purchased online at k-state.edu/mtd/tickets or by calling 785-236-8638. Tickets may also be purchased one hour prior to the performance at the Purple Masque Theatre. All tickets, regardless of purchase method, include sales tax and are free from convenience fees.
The play is directed by Jerry Jay Cranford, assistant professor of theatre. The following Kansas State University students are in the cast and production staff of "Not Without Laughter":
Janae Schulte, freshman in human development and family science, Ellsworth, as Patsy/Mary; Nich Elliott, sophomore in theatre and leadership studies, Eudora, as Eugene/Billy/Man 2/Herm;
From Greater Kansas City: David Grigsby Jr., freshman in theatre and pre-optometry, as Mr. Siles/Mr. Williams/Patron, Tiffany Horne, senior in mass communications and business, as Tempy Siles-Williams, Chelsea Turner, junior in American ethnic studies, as Harriett Williams, and Donovan Watts, junior in theatre, as Buster, all from Kansas City; Alexis Burns, junior in family studies and human service, Overland Park, as Willie-Mae; and Michelle Stottmann, freshman in theatre and modern languages, Shawnee, props master.
Kaitlin Kirby, senior in theatre, Hutchinson, stage manager; Morgan Grote, sophomore in theatre, Lansing, as Mrs. Rice/Teacher.
From Manhattan: Jonah Ericson, senior in English and theatre, assistant director; Lauren Fischer, junior in theatre, sound designer; Brigid Reilly, senior in theatre and pre-professional secondary education, assistant lighting designer; and Aaron Rojas, senior in theatre, as Gravitte/Carny/Patron/Man 1.
Sterling Oliver, junior in theatre and applied music, Marysville, assistant lighting designer; Emma Price, freshman in theatre, Scott City, as Rose; Ali Davids, freshman in theatre, Spring Hill, assistant stage manager; and Jesse Barnes, junior in theatre, lighting designer, and Hunter Nelson, senior in English and theatre, dramaturg, both from Topeka.
From out of state:
Shiana Tyler, senior in theatre, Phenix City, Alabama, as Georgia; Gary Hackett III, senior in marketing and theatre, Swainsboro, Georgia, as Mused; Alexis Cushshon, sophomore in pre-professional architectural engineering, Florissant, Missouri, as Aunt Hager Williams; Khalil Odums, freshman in political science and theatre, as Sandy Rogers, and Miranda Watson, senior in communication studies, as Annjee Williams, both from Kansas City, Missouri; Kenedi Kelley, sophomore in American ethnic studies and dance, Cedar Park, Texas, as Sister Jackson; and Dan Marcus Harris Jr., senior in sociology, Fort Worth, Texas, as Jimbo.
