Brigham Young University’s Department of Theater and Media Arts will present the Tony award-winning play, “Dancing at Lughnasa,” Friday, Oct. 31, through Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Margetts Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center.
There will be dress rehearsals Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 29-30, and a matinee on Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. There will be no performances Sundays or Mondays. Tickets are $15, or $10 weeknights and $11 weekends with a BYU or student ID. For dress rehearsals and matinees, all seats are $8. To purchase tickets, call the Fine Arts Ticket Office at (801) 422-4322 or visit byuarts.com.
In this autobiographical piece by Brian Friel, Michael Evans narrates the story of his childhood in a small village in Ireland in 1936. He recounts the story of his mother, her four sisters and their experiences coping with the political, social and religious oppression of the day. Their spare existence is interrupted by brief colorful bursts of music from the radio, which is their link to the romance and hope of the world.
For the young boy, the summer holds other memorable moments — among them, meeting his father for the first time. Widely regarded as Friel's masterpiece, the play is simultaneously a tribute to the spirit and valor of the past and an invitation to shape the future.
“The purpose of this production is to help the audience reflect on their own lives and memories,” said director Stephanie Breinholt. “I don’t want people to just watch a play, but to remember the good moments in their lives and the people who have made a difference — and to leave with a determination to make a memorable future.”
The set and costumes will create an accurate picture of a simple family in a cottage in the mid-1930s. Just as sharp details and vivid colors mixed with blurred details characterize memories, Michael’s memory will be created on the stage with a sharp set and blurred edges, like an old photograph from the past.
The cast features Christopher Davis as Michael; Emily Burnworth as Aunt Kate; Maggie Laurencelle as Aunt Maggie; Julie Saunders as Aunt Agnes; Alexis Wardle as Aunt Rose; Becca Ingram as Michael’s mother, Chris; Gary Reimer as Jack; and Rhett Gagon as Michael’s father, Gerry.
The production team includes artistic director Janet Swenson, scenic designer Danniey Palliser Wright, costume designer Jananne Meads, lighting designer Heidi Rebarchik, sound designer Mat Goebel, makeup designer Jamie Shapiro and dramaturg Deleah Waters.
For more information, contact Stephanie Breinholt at (801) 422-4631.
Writer: Angela Fischer
