“The Winter’s Tale,” showing from April 9-12, tells the classic Shakespeare story following “the journeys of two kingdoms, a rift between Kings, a lost queen, and the love that brings them back to one another,” according to the poster. The story explores themes of jealousy, love, and forgiveness, but with a twist. EMU’s version of the story incorporates 80s and 90s music, including songs from Blink-182, to put a rockin’ spin on this classic tale.
To reimagine and put together this musical took a lot of “collaboration, script development, music composition, and rehearsals to get everything polished,” said Director Haley Davis. Davis took the original work of Shakespeare and shortened it while the actors helped select songs to fit with each moment. With collaborative work from Jim Clemens, the music director; Sierra Priest, the choreographer; Rebecca Bailey, the costume designer; and Shannon Dove, set creator and lighting designer, the musical has been carefully crafted for the enjoyment of audience members. “I’m proud of how the cast and creative team put their minds together in the adaptation of this play into a jukebox musical,” said Davis. “Their musical know-how and creative instinct really made this production all its own.”
Acting as the stage manager for her fifth time, Sarah Peak, a senior at EMU, had to learn and adapt to a new director’s expectations. Stage managers act as the main communicators for the cast and crew, the director, and all others involved. “I love being able to see a performance develop from start to finish and have such a large role in making that happen,” said Peak.
This performance is a special one for EMU, as it represents the resilience of EMU’s theater program. After the previous director left and many of the senior cast and crew graduated last year, the future of the program was uncertain. However, many underclassmen stepped up with strong auditions to keep the program going. “It has been amazing to watch this new group of actors grow and I am excited to see the program continuing in good hands,” said Peak. “The more support we get, the more likely we are to be able to continue having productions at EMU.”
Actors also assume large responsibilities in the production of the musical. From attending daily rehearsals lasting from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., practicing stunts, perfecting each run through, and learning music and choreography, actors carry out many tasks to perfect the performance for each night of the show. The crew has worked hard to edit the Shakespeare story, cutting the runtime down to between an hour and an hour and a half. “The Winter’s Tale” is immensely eventful and fast-paced. Kayden Beidler, a first-year EMU student, plays two different characters: Florizel, who is a young, dramatic prince with lots of personality and a major crush, and Antigonus, a father and lord of the court, who contrasts with Florizel’s rowdy character. “I have a lot of fun with this show,” said Beidler. “Truly, I have a blast.” Working alongside Beidler, Erin Batten, a senior EMU student, plays Camillo, advisor to the king and often the voice of reason. When coming to watch the show, Batten wants audience members to “pay close attention to the young son’s crown,” as they may spot hints to the show’s happenings. Any EMU student or community member interested in attending the presentation of Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” can purchase tickets online now at emu.edu/theatre. Adults are $20, students/children are $10, EMU/JMU students are $6, and seniors (aged 65+) are $18. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of, and seating is first-come, first-served. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Studio Theater in University Commons. “The Winter’s Tale” contains adult content and mentions of violence. It is recommended for ages 16 and up.
