CSC production highlights mending family relationships
CHADRON – The Chadron State College Theatre department will present The Whale by Samuel Hunter in the Black Box Nov. 18-20 at 7 p.m., Nov. 21 at 2 p.m., and Dec. 3-4 at 7 p.m. Seating is free and tickets can be reserved online.
According to Director Michael Susko, the play is powerful and emotionally difficult.
The play’s setting is rural Idaho. A 600-pound recluse, Charlie, hides away in his apartment and slowly eats himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter, Ellie, he reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued and unhappy teen, according to Susko.
Susko said the play requires a big commitment from the entire cast and crew.
“These incredible actors have come to every rehearsal ready and willing to bare their souls in order take a journey that is not always easy or pleasant,” Susko said.
Zackary Wellnitz, who plays Charlie, said he finds the role physically challenging, as well as exciting.
“Just trying to master the way he breathes and the way he moves has been fun, but is also difficult, as well. Charlie is a very caring person who just wants to do one thing right,” Wellnitz said.
Olivia Freeze, who portrays Liz, Charlie’s controlling and overprotective nurse and friend, said she believes the audience will enjoy the realism of the characters.
“All these characters feel like they could be real people. Some characters remind me of people I’ve met in my life,” Freeze said.
Trista Topil said she sometimes finds it difficult to get into the mindset and personality of Ellie, who is a ball of anger and energy.
Brennan Ackerman portrays 19-year-old Elder Thomas.
“I am really looking forward to being the sweet, awkward Mormon that we slowly find more and more about. The characters are all so fascinating. They are oozing with flaws, but yet are so likable,” Ackerman said.
Cast
Liz: Olivia Freeze of Bridgeport, Neb.
Mary: Adeline Beason of Clinton, Miss.
Ellie: Trista Topil of Lincoln, Neb.
Elder Thomas: Brennan Ackerman of Box Elder, S.D.
Charlie: Zack Wellnitz of Rushville, Neb.
Crew
Stage Manager: Jarret Buchholz of Arnold, Neb.
Assistant Stage Manager: Caleb Twite of White River, S.D.
Props: Levi O’Dell of Piedmont, S.D.
Assistant Costumer: Kiersten Luce of Cheyenne, Wyo.
Assistant Lighting: Christopher Lidgett of Norfolk, Neb.
Sound Board: Halle Smith of Wheatland, Wyo.
Light Board: Rayne Charging Thunder of Gordon, Neb.
Costume Shop Manager: Cheyenne Bacon of Lewellen, Neb.
Category: Campus News, Theatre