ESU Theatre Presents 'Androcles and the Lion' by Aurand Harris and Glenn Mack

Emporia, KS (04/15/2024) — Emporia State University Theatre presents "Androcles and the Lion," book by Aurand Harris and music by Glenn Mack. Performances are scheduled for April 19 through 21 in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Black Box Theatre, in Roosevelt Hall.

One of the most popular children's plays ever written, Aesop's fable, "Androcles and the Lion," has been produced in 20 countries. Refreshingly antic, this irreverent version is written in the style of Italian commedia dell'arte. In commedia tradition, a group of strolling players set up their stage and give a performance. Using authentic staging and stock characters of commedia - the miserly Pantalone, the bragging Captain, the romantic lovers, the trickster Arlequin, plus an endearing lion - this fable becomes a colorful theatrical experience. The play skyrockets with zany comedy and glows with the warmth of friendship.

"It's been quite a while since we've produced theatre for young audiences, and Mr. Harris' classic tale of friendship and doing the right thing remains as universal as ever," notes Jim Harris, director of the production. "While every production is a tightly orchestrated collaborative event amongst all our theatre students, this one is a bit different. With guidance from our faculty, nearly everything you'll see has been conceptualized by the students of TH 340 - Play Production.

"A successful children's theatre production should not only appeal to a young audience but captivate and engage the adults as well," he continued. "This is a highly energetic and entertaining show that requires a physicality from our actors that takes them out of their comfort zone. If asked to describe the show in one word it would simply be 'FUN!'"

Visit emporia.edu/tickets for reservations or additional information or call the box office at (620) 341-5256 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays with any questions. The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets will also be available at the Ronald Q. Frederickson Box Office one hour before the show.

The cast consists of Eastyn Armstrong (Topeka) as Androcles, Colin Newland (Wichita) as Lion, Hannah Johnson (Potwin) as Pantalone, Ben Ziek (Emporia) as Lelio, Joyanne Boutz (Topeka) as Isabella, and Ray Keady (Emporia) as The Captain.

The production team includes Director Jim Harris, Production Stage Manager Ashley Hill (Olathe), Scenic Designer/Choreographer Carly Welter (Olathe), Costume Designer Lexie Vega (Iola), Hair and Makeup Designer AJ Hart (Girard), Projection Designer/QLab Operator Krais Baker (Yates Center), Lighting Designer Austin Michaelis (Overbrook), Properties Design Gwen Dumler (Wichita), Technical Director Nicholas Thomas (Emporia), Music Director Pennie Speedie, Dramaturg Jyck Green (Lenexa), Educational Coordinator Logan Trask (Spring Hill), Costume Shop Supervisor Matt Dempsey and Scene Shop Supervisor Chris Lohkamp.

Members of the Crew are Stage Crew Lead Maya Lee (Wichita), Shift Crew Tyler Truman (Valley Center), Costume Crew Head Kaitlyn Tarrant (Crescent), Costume Crew Ari Hutchinson, and Costume Maintenance Evie Johnson (Canton) and Blake Hess (Garnett).

Performances are scheduled for April 19 7:30 p.m., April 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and April 21 at 2 p.m. in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Black Box Theatre, Roosevelt Hall, Emporia State University Campus. Visit emporia.edu/tickets and scroll down to the "Androcles and the Lion" event for additional information and to order tickets.

About Emporia State Theatre

Emporia State University has one of the oldest and strongest theatre programs in the country, with well over 1,000 graduates. Many are working across the country in professional and academic theatre. At ESU, students can earn a BFA or BA in theatre, or gain certification to become a secondary teacher in the BSE program in speech and theatre. We are proud to be a part of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. ESU Theatre is an active participant of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.