'Rosencrantz &Guildenstern are Dead' opening Feb. 25

Stoppard’s play is an alternative spin to Shakespeare’s classic “Hamlet.” The theatrical comedy explores themes of self-identity and life, presented through the perspectives of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters in “Hamlet.”

Roger Mays, visual and performing arts professor, said “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” grapples with satirical wit and pragmatic questions.

“Stoppard turns ‘Hamlet’ on its head by having the main characters of his play be the two characters that are the least effective in Shakespeare’s classic. This results in a comical and strange combination of Vaudeville banter, blended with the existential argument, ‘Can any of us be sure of how we got here and what we are supposed to do?’” Mays said.

The play will be directed by Derek Phelps, of Sidney, Nebraska. Phelps has played roles in previous CSC productions such as “Big River” and “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

According to Mays, a student led production is not common, even at Chadron State College. In order to qualify, a student not only has to complete a 10 minute play both for beginning and advanced directing, but he or she must demonstrate consistently excellent work, significant experience in production, and exceptional commitment to the craft and the program.

“Having a student direct a major production is a rarity, even in the CSC theatre department where the emphasis is always to have students present their work to the public,” Mays said. “Derek's experience within our program and at the Post Playhouse last summer has proven him to be one of these rare students who deserves the opportunity.”

Phelps, who is earning independent study credit as the show’s director, plans to work at the Post Playhouseagain this summer.

Students Molly Thornton of Riverton, Wyoming, and Wacey Gallegos of Ainsworth, Nebraska, play the lead roles, Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, respectively

Other cast members include: Patrick Bergin of Riverton, Wyo., Doug Valade of Scottsbluff, Neb., Ryan Steinhour of Chadron, Samuel T. Martin of Hot Springs, S.D., Laurin Bronson of Hay Springs, Neb., Asia Carr of Lusk, Wyo., Chance Hejde of Rapid City, S.D., Josh Fitch of Elm Creek, Neb., Nathan Wojciechowski of Gering, Neb., Jacob Wirth of Sidney, Neb., and Brandon Bailey of Rushville, Neb.

Shows Feb. 25-27 are at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets and reservations for “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” are available by contacting the CSC Box Office at 308-432-6207 or boxoffice@csc.edu. Box office hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.