School of Theatre Arts Presents Haunting Dancing at Lughnasa

Sept. 14, 2017

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.—Illinois Wesleyan University’s School of Theatre Arts will present Brian Friel’s haunting masterpiece Dancing at Lughnasa Oct. 3-8 at the Jerome Mirza Theatre at McPherson Hall (2 Ames Plaza East, Bloomington).

Set in 1936, Dancing at Lughnasa is a memory play that tells the story of the Mundy sisters, five unmarried sisters eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland. The play is told from the perspective of the now adult Michael, the illegitimate son of one of the sisters, who recalls the summer of 1936 when he was just seven years old living in the Mundy home. As the Mundy family faces unexpected events and hardships that would soon change their lives forever, Friel’s play is a tribute to the spirit and valor of the past. It won multiple awards including the 1992 Tony Award for Best Play and was recognized as one of the ten best plays in 1991 by Time Magazine.

Adjunct Instructor of Theatre Arts Michael Cotey will direct the production. Cast members include Cami Tokowitz '19 (Kate), Cadence Lamb '18 (Maggie), Hailey Lechelt '18 (Agnes), Kamilah Lay '19 (Rose), Libby Zabit '18 (Chris), Tuxford Turner '19 (Michael), Sam Hulsizer '20 (Gerry), and Will Mueller '19 (Jack).

Curtain is at 8 p.m. each evening except for the matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. Tickets are $12 for Friday and Saturday, and $10 for Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The Wednesday performance is free, and all performances are $2 for students with an ID. Tickets can be purchased at the Jerome Mirza Theatre Box Office. For additional information, please contact the box office at (309) 556-3232.

By Vi Kakares '20