Emporia State Theatre Presents: Uncle Vanya

ESU THEATRE PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release


ESU Theatre Explores the World of Chekhov
with the Classic Uncle Vanya

Emporia State University Theatre will present Uncle Vanya,
Chekhov's classic tragicomedy. The production is scheduled for
consecutive weekends in April in the R.Q. Frederickson Theatre
in Roosevelt Hall. Translated by Irishman Brian Friel (Dancing at
Lughnasa, Translations) this modern adaptation of the Chekhov
classic was first produced at the Gate Theatre, Dublin, in 1998.
Friel's adaptation renders the language of the play into a modern
idiom and offers humor and further developed characters' roles
and relationships.

In Uncle Vanya, a retired professor, Sebryakov (Mike
Koetkemeyer, Senior, Salina) and his beautiful young wife, Elena
(Miranda Nation, Sophomore, Winfield) have returned to Vanya's
country estate. Uncle Vanya (Colter G. Lemmon, Junior,
Crawford, Nebraska) discovers his hopeless and unrequited
feelings for the professor's wife. Meanwhile, the professor's
daughter, Sonya (Holly Davis, Freshman, Valley Falls), yearns for
the doctor, Astrov (Nathan Dale Short, Sophomore, Paola) who
only has eyes for Elena. If things don't seem complicated
enough, the professor has an announcement that could change
the lives of the entire household.

Other cast members include: Samaria Fleig (Senior, Emporia),
Ryan Scully (Senior, Winchester), Evan Eisenbarth (Sophomore,
Cassoday), and Ann Baldridge (Freshman, Topeka). A timeless
observation of human behavior and relationships, Uncle Vanya
remains relevant to audiences of our time. In describing the
2013 production of the play at Minneapolis' Guthrie Theatre,
director Joe Dowling observed that "people have compared Friel
with Chekhov, and these two major artists have been profoundly
influential…"

The production is under the direction of Dr. Jim Ryan. Nancy
Pontius is the set designer; Susan Mai is the costume designer.
Lighting is designed by Ron Fowlkes. Senior Aubrey Near
(Independence) is the company manager. Rochelle Watson
(Junior, Oak Grove, MO) is the Production Stage Manager.
Veniese Razo (Freshman, Topeka) will serve as the properties
master; Kylie Geiman (Junior, Louisburg) and Ethan Crapser
(Freshman, Overland Park) will be running sound and lights
during the run.

The scenery crew consists of John Lloyd Stafford III (Junior,
Independence), Tyler Lang (Freshman, Wichita), Elizabeth Kennell
(Sophomore, Belton), Courtney Romero (Freshman, Kansas City),
and Andrew McCutcheon (Junior, Gardner). Bekah Lane
(Freshman, Wichita) and Elliot Brest (Junior, Tonganoxie) will
serve on the costume crew. Cameron Reynolds (Freshman,
Louisburg) will work in the box office and Adam Helmer (Senior,
Emporia) will be the House Manager.

Uncle Vanya will be performed April 16-19 and 23-26 at 7:30 in
the R.Q. Frederickson Theatre in Roosevelt Hall. Call (620) 341-
6378 to reserve tickets.



For additional information:

Jim Bartruff
Director of Theatre
620-341-5704
jbartruf@emporia.edu


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