Dr. Marcia Ferguson and Dr. Emily Steiner

Fall 2020 Production: Everyman

The Theatre Arts Program premiered its Fall 2019 production of Everyman on Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 in the Bruce Montgomery Theatre. Dr. Marcia Ferguson directed Carol Ann Duffy’s 2015 poetic adaptation of the original 15th century morality play.

 

Following the performance, Dr. Ferguson was joined by medievalist Dr. Emily Steiner, Professor of English, for a brief talkback. Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Steiner answered audience questions and discussed how the productions’ modern approach compares to a traditional medieval morality play. 

 

Everyman features Spencer Solomon (English Major, Class of 2020) in the title role, depicted in this version as a successful financier. Everyman sets out to present a reckoning of his life in front of God, played by Ari Fromm (Theatre Arts and Computer Science Major, Class of 2021). Reluctant at first, Everyman is spurred forward after a chilling brush with Death, portrayed by Maria Rillo (Comparative Literature Major, Class of 2020).

 

In one scene, Everyman faces his family, played by Jane Rinehart-Greaser (Theatre Arts Major, Class of 2020), Michael Nickley (Theatre Arts Major, Class of 2020), and Susset Tamayo (Theatre Arts Major, Class of 2021), who confront him about his absence over the years. Rinehart-Greaser’s performance will become the basis for her Senior Honors Thesis project in Acting. In addition to her performance in Everyman, Rinehart-Greaser will write a 60-80 page thesis on the play, including her own research and reflections upon the rehearsal and performance process.

 

Adam Ritter (Theatre Arts and Chemical/Biomolecular Engineering Major, Class of 2022), Rachel Swym (English Major, Class of 2022), and Nicholas Peile (PPE Major, Class of 2023) fill out the ensemble and appear as manifestations of Everyman’s friends, material possessions, and more.  

 

Michael Lambui’s set design, Peter Whinnery’s lighting, and Millie Hiibel’s costumes provide a stunning and stark backdrop for Everyman’s slow acceptance of his fate. 

 

Everyman runs November 13thto 16th, 2019 in the Bruce Montgomery Theatre.