Source: Chelsey Eimer, 785-532-6878, cbeimer@k-state.edu
Hometown connection: Berryton, Fort Scott, Hutchinson, Kanopolis, Lindsborg, Manhattan, Munjor, Osawatomie, Overland Park, Shawnee and Topeka, Kan.; Littleton, Colo.; Liberty, Mo.; Shirley, N.Y.; and Bedford and Lubbock, Texas.
News release prepared by: Rosie Hoefling, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012
Witchcraft mayhem and music: K-State Opera Theatre to perform 'The Crucible'
MANHATTAN -- A witch hunt will be under way as Kansas State University's Opera Theatre presents "The Crucible," an opera by Robert Ward.
"The Crucible" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. March 8-10, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11. All performances are in Nichols Theatre.
Based on the Arthur Miller classic, the opera tells the story of a man trying to protect his wife from the rumors of witchcraft being spread by his attention-hungry former mistress, young Abigail. Jealous of John Proctor's wife, Elizabeth, Abigail tells the town about Elizabeth's suspicious practices. John takes on the challenge and fights for his wife's life and, eventually, his own.
The K-State production is directed by Jennifer Vellenga, assistant professor of theater; music direction is by Amy Rosine, assistant professor of music; and costume design is by Dana Pinkston, associate professor of theater.
Tickets cost $10 to $16, with a variety of discounts available for university students, faculty and staff, seniors and military families. They can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by calling 785-532-6428 during box office hours. Tickets also may be purchased at the Little Theatre box office in the K-State Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Groups of 10 or more may receive a discount rate. For more information or assistance in planning a theater party, contact Marci Maullar at 785-532-6878.
K-State students in the cast or crew for "The Crucible" include:
Drew Hansen, senior in applied music, Berryton, as John Proctor; Marguerite Fredericksen, senior in music education and applied music, as Mary Warren, and Grant Stucky, sophomore in music education, as Reverend Parris, both from Fort Scott; Alex Spence, senior in applied music and music education, Hutchinson, as Giles Corey; Joshua Tackett, master's student in music, Kanopolis, as Francis Nurse; Annika Schneider, junior in music education and modern languages, Lindsborg, as Mercy Lewis.
From Manhattan: Janie Brokenicky, master's student in music, as Elizabeth; DJ Davis, senior in applied music, as Thomas Putnam; Essence Nicholson, senior in applied music, as Tituba; Vanessa Stiles, sophomore in music and communication sciences and disorders, as Martha Sheldon; Elizabeth Uthoff, senior in geography and theater, lighting design; and Sarah Wirtz, sophomore in applied music, as Betty Parris.
Kevin Payton, junior in theater, Munjor, as Cheever; Amanda Ellis, junior in music education, Osawatomie, as Ruth Putnam; Joseph Klug, senior in theater, Overland Park, set design; Kirsten Hyde, junior in applied music and music education, Shawnee, as Rebecca Nurse.
From Topeka: Matt Patton, senior in applied music,as Judge Thomas Danforth; Megan Reynolds, senior in theater, stage manager; and Emily White, sophomore in theater, assistant stage manager.
From out of state: Sarah Eha, senior in applied music, Littleton, Colo., as Bridget Booth; Jessica Luczak, master's student in music, Liberty, Mo., as Susanne Walcott; Danielle Cornacchio, master's student in music, Shirley, N.Y., as Abigail Williams; Donovan Woods, junior in applied music, Bedford, Texas, as Reverend John Hale; and Rebecca Ballinger, master's student in music, Lubbock, Texas, as Ann Putnam.
