Concord University’s Theater Department has officially announced the cast of their fall play, Suddenly Last Summer. Catharine Holly is being played by Brianna Duckworth. She is trying to tell her psychologist the truth about what happened to Sebastian Venable, her cousin. The role of the psychologist will be depicted by Sam Stockton. Megan Purdue portrays the character Mrs. Venable who will stop at nothing to preserve the good name of her son, Sebastian. She has been over-protective of him all of his life, but now only does so to serve her own needs. By maintaining his image as a poet, Mrs. Venable hopes to profit from Sebastian’s many poems, which she has compiled into a book titled “The Work of a Poet is the Life of the Poet.” Sebastian wrote a poem every summer as he traveled with his mother. Suddenly, one summer, he stopped writing. But now in Sebastian’s final summer, Catharine has a dark secret that she can no longer bear keeping. Other cast members include: Miss Foxhill being played by Summer Wilding, Mrs. Holly being played by Mary Trent, George Holly being played by Trace Crum, Sister Felicity being played by Brooke King, and Samantha Teixeira the stage manager. Everything is not as it seems in this intriguing drama by Tennessee Williams. When the pieces start falling into place, who will be left standing? You will have to see to find out.
Vuranch herself admits, “Suddenly Last Summer, by Tennessee Williams, is an edgy, thought provoking play. It deals with adult issues. What I am most excited about with this production is that we are able to work with the English Department to present this play and the fact that our student actors will have a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of their acting skills. The play is intense and offers a chance for actors and audience to delve into a deeper level of emotions.”
Performances will be November 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the Paul Theater. For more information, contact Professor Karen Vuranch at kvuranch@concord.edu or visit her office: CA 42, Alex. Fine Arts Building. You can also call her at (304) 384-5317 or by her cell phone which is (304) 575-3636. Two other short plays are also being put on by students. Starline 117 directed by Megan Perdue and You Do Love Me, Don’t You which is directed by Kristen Osborne. Both are students in the Play Directing class. These two plays are scary, Halloween thrillers and will be presented Wednesday, October 26 and Thursday, October 27 at 7:00 in the Paul Theatre. All are welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there!