Posted: Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The University of Evansville Department of Theatre proudly presents Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa, opening Friday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m., in Shanklin Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 21, 26, 27, 28, and at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 22 and Mar. 1.

Written by one of Ireland’s most important playwrights, this poignant tale garnered the 1992 Tony Award for Best Play. Inventively told through the eyes of an adult harkening back to memories of his youth, the play centers on the daily life of the five Mundy sisters. On the verge of the Industrial Revolution, the opening of a nearby knitting factory threatens their simple home-based livelihood in the bucolic County Donegal. In contrast to their worries about the future, the family’s first wireless radio allows the sisters to experience a spirit of freedom and an opportunity for expressiveness that was previously missing in their traditional Irish Catholic household. This lyrical story is rich in its portrayal of the complex kinship of sisters and the authenticity of family life.

Diane Brewer, Professor of Theatre, directs Dancing at Lughnasa. Sarah Dory, a senior from Greencastle, Ind., serves as the scenic designer; Professor Patti McCrory is the costume designer; Alexis Richards, a senior from Denver, Colo., is the lighting designer; guest artist Brad Berridge is the sound designer; Hailey Suggs, a senior from Austin, Texas, is the dramaturg; and Aaron Curry, a junior from Glendale, Ariz., serves as the associate lighting designer.

The eight-member cast features senior Maryam Abdi, from Kenmore, Wash., as Maggie; juniors Henry Ragan, from Herndon, Va., as Michael; Samie Johnson, from Denver, Colo., as Kate; Katelyn Kidwell, from Raleigh, N.C., as Agnes; Grace Theobald, from Louisville, Ky., as Rose; TJ Baldassare, from Westminster, Colo., as Gerry; sophomores Hannah Connally, from Arlington, Texas, as Chris; and Chris Brumley, from Louisville, Ky., as Jack.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $13 for senior adults, students, and UE faculty and staff. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Tickets may be purchased by calling (812) 488–2031, Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.

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