The Averett University Theatre Department is gearing up for an exciting semester with three new shows in the works. From dogs to Dolly Parton, they have it all. Averett University students, staff, and faculty gain free entry to all shows. All performances are held in Pritchett Auditorium.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” revolves around 15-year-old Christopher who is exceptional in math, while struggling with everyday interactions. He distrusts strangers, dislikes being touched, and has never been far away from home. As the clock hits seven minutes after midnight, he stands over the neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has just been murdered. His investigation leads him on an unlikely journey that will uncover much more than anticipated.
Isaiah Reed, a sophomore majoring in theatre, has been cast as Christopher. “Christopher is on the autism spectrum, and he is living with his dad. His neighbor’s dog has been murdered and he’s currently on an adventure to find out who murdered the dog,” Reed said. “I’m trying to portray Christopher in a specific way because there is no one way to portray this type of character, but he is a very logical person and knows what he wants to accomplish.”
You can expect to see Reed in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” February 20th-22nd at 7pm.
“9 to 5: The Musical” with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, is based on the book by Patricia Resnick and the hit 1980s movie. Three female coworkers devise a plan to stand up to their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss.
We watch Violet, Judy, and Doralee embark on an adventure to challenge the stereotypes set in their workplace and combat the company that has always been against them. DeeDee Anderson, a freshman double majoring in theatre and biology, has been cast as Doralee.
“I knew our theatre department was small, so I felt like there was an opportunity to be on the stage as opposed to a bigger school. I was not expecting leads to begin with, and I was hoping and trying my hardest to put in the work. I think everyone in our department is really talented and we’re all different, which I really enjoy. I am honored to be given the opportunity because I feel the professors believe in me as an actor and as a person,” Anderson said.
“9 to 5” runs April 10th-12th at 7pm and April 13th at 2pm.
“Pop, Rocks!” is a combined medley of music sourced from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Giuseppe Ritorto, professor of musical theatre, is the director and musical director for this production.
“So, my idea was to find a way to incorporate more modern music into our show choir,” Ritorto said. “It is a hodgepodge of pop songs and a musical review that does have some more modern songs in it but are still pulling from the 70s and 80s.”
Performances are April 24th-25th at 7pm.
