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Open Window Theatre Presents Everyman in Urban Jungle
February 19, 2016 @ 7:45 pm - February 21, 2016 @ 1:30 pm
The classic old English morality play is given a modern twist with an urban setting, live music and a diverse cast rotating into the roles of Everyman.
The newest production at Open Window Theatre brings a classic piece of theatre literature to the stage with an urban setting, live music and a diverse cast. In his contemporary take on Everyman, director Jeremy Stanbary (Artistic Director, Open Window Theatre) pulls from his own roots of Catholicism to bring out the universality of this medieval morality play as well as the rich symbolism within. “The play mixes poetry with no-holds-barred imagery,” Stanbary says, “and deals with problems of wealth, power and self-indulgence which can be destructive to humans and the common good.”
The set design, with its multi-level metal piping, provides an urban jungle playground for the cast in a prison-like structure, giving a sense of Everyman’s entrapment to his/her material world. The costumes supply a “high impact look,” according to designer Josette Elstad, which plays out with various textures and layers, echoing both Greek chorus and gothic-inspirations. Original music performed live during the show will blend medieval with modern influences, intermixing digital music and sounds. Guest artists SPARK Theater + Dance (Corey and Betsy Mills) will add stunning visual imagery to the story through movement and choreography.
The cast features an eight-person ensemble, with five diverse actors (including women) rotating into the role of Everyman for a portion of the performance. With each actor rotation, a prop piece of what Everyman has acquired will be removed except for a common shroud that symbolically defines the spiritual element of the fateful journey. According to Stanbary, the play is “not afraid to pull punches,” even calling out corrupt members of the clergy.
The cast of Everyman includes Corey Mills (Everyman #1 & #6/Confession), Nicole Goeden (Everyman #2/Beauty/Angel), Kiara Jackson (Everyman #3/Strength), Elohim Pena (Everyman #4/Fellowship/Five Wits), Joann Oudekerk (Everyman #5/Kindred), Sharayah Bunce (Death/Good-Deeds), Siddeqah Shabazz (Messenger/Knowledge) and Nathan Gebhard (Cousin/Goods/Discretion).
The artistic team is Jeremy Stanbary (Director/Producer), Justin Barisonek (Scenic Design), Courtney Schmitz (Lighting Design), Josette Elstad (Costume Design), Corey and Betsy Mills (Movement), Jeromy Darling and Kurt Larson (Sound Design), Nate Farley (Props) and Lisette Matos (Stage Manager).
Open Window Theatre has free parking and is located at 1313 Chestnut Ave #102, Minneapolis, just north of the Basilica of St. Mary. Single tickets start at $16 (for children), $26 (for adults) and are on sale through the box office at 612/615-1515 or online at www.openwindowtheatre.org.
FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20
Thursdays-Saturdays @ 7:45pm
Sundays @ 1:30pm
Special matinees: Wednesdays, March 2 & 9 @ 10:30am, and Saturday, March 19 @ 1:30pm
TICKETS: $16-30. Box Office: 612/615-1515, or website: https://openwindowtheatre.org/theater/get-tickets
Thursdays are “Pay-As-You’re-Able” for a $1 minimum at the door for any unsold tickets.
North Loop Neighborhood Discount: Use the coupon code NORTHLOOP to receive $2.00 off any ticket!
CONTACTS:
Jeremy Stanbary, Director, 612/615-1515, email: jstanbary@openwindowtheatre.org
Joy Donley, Publicist, 952/454-7344, email: press@openwindowtheatre.org