What connects a monster sewn together from corpses with a wedding on an idyllic Greek island? The Capital University Theatre Program, of course!
Frankenstein: Man, Monster, Myth (And Mary) and Mamma Mia! are just two of the shows planned for the 2019-2020 season, with the stage adaptation inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel set to premiere later this month.
The version of Frankenstein’s monster that will be shown is an entirely unique one, drawn from centuries of literature and media. Dan Heaton, Ph.D. and one of Capital University’s Theatre faculty, has created the compilation, which he describes as “lots of different pieces woven together, kind of like the Frankenstein monster.”
Heaton, who is also the show’s director, appreciates the freedom that accompanies creating an original script. It allows him to build the show around the actors who have been cast, catering to their strengths.
But Frankenstein will not be the only original show produced this semester. Murder Can be Deadly — A Mark Guffin Mystery is scheduled to be performed in November and was written by Dr. William Kennedy.
Another theatre faculty member, Kennedy has been writing plays since he was a junior in college. He said that the upcoming murder mystery was inspired by the popular 1940s and 50s genre film noir, and features several well-known character archetypes, like the tough-talking title detective.
Frankenstein will be showing Sept. 26 to 30, and Murder Can be Deadly will be Nov. 7 to 10. For both productions, the Thursday–Saturday shows will be at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
All shows are in the Cabaret Theatre, located in the lower level of the Student Union. Tickets are free for students; simply call 614-236-7174 to reserve a seat.
Auditions for both fall semester shows have already taken place, but if you would like to be involved as an actor for the spring performances, watch campus postings for information — casting is open to the whole student body.
Students can also be involved (and get work-study hours) by helping out in the scene shop with lighting and sound, or in other backstage elements.
Stage productions are not the only feature of the theatre program. The Fat Tuesdays Debutantes Improvisational Comedy Group has six scheduled performances this year. Again, participation is open to all students, with practices held every Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Huber-Speilman 127.
The first performance of the group will be Oct. 1 at 10 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall, with a complete schedule found online at ww.capital.edu/capital-theatre/.
The communications department offers a theatre studies major and minor, which is another way to explore the stage. Kennedy recommends the Introduction to Theatre class as a beginning step for any students interested, although there are other, more specialized classes such as Storytelling and Stage Magic.
Capital University’s Theatre Program has something for everyone, and its faculty members are passionate about the experience. As Kennedy said, “We all act differently and play many different roles in our lives,” so why not transfer that experience to the stage?
