FTC Theatre’s fall season is “sensational”

By Clarissa Biener

Five Towns College is being treated to more than “one….. singular sensation” this Fall. The Five Towns Theatre Arts Department has a spectacular lineup with four shows on the horizon this semester:

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow is Enuf, directed by FTC Alum Egypt Dozier:

October 8th, 9th, 10th at 7:30PM

October 11th at 3:00PM

Through poetry, storytelling, music and movement, this group of women take you on a journey through love, resilience, pain and heartbreak, but most importantly, a celebration of life- inviting audiences to laugh, cry, reflect & celebrate the strength of the Black woman.

Godspell, directed by Monica Athenas

October 22nd, 23rd, 24th at 7:30PM

October 25th at 3:00PM

A collection of biblical parables, from the books of Matthew and Luke, interwoven into an artistic musical movement wherein love is found, bonds are formed, and a community of creators is built. Join Jesus on his infamous journey as he teaches his followers lessons about graciousness, forgiveness, and love through means of storytelling, music, and artistry. See the impact his teachings leave and the struggles we, as individuals, face when trying to live by them.

Buried Child, directed by Dr. David Krasner:

November 5th, 6th, 7th at 7:30PM

November 8th at 3:00PM

This dark comedy depicts the homecoming of a wayward son returning to the family farm. Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize winning play explores the disintegration of the American family laced with spicy humor, hilarious characters, and sharp, insightful dialogue.

A Chorus Line, directed by Tyrone Robinson

November 19th, 20th, 21st at 7:30PM

November 22nd at 3:00PM

When a group of dancers’ audition for a new Broadway musical, the audience gets a thrilling behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives, dreams, sacrifices, and stories of the people who make Broadway dance. One of the most iconic musicals of all time, A Chorus Line celebrates the human spirit and the courage it takes to put yourself “on the line,” featuring Marvin Hamlisch’s unforgettable score, including “What I Did for Love,” “I Hope I Get It,” and the showstopping “One.”

The roles were announced on Friday, September 4th, and the actors at Five Towns are already hard at work learning their lines, songs, and choreography. Some students, like Josiah Prescod, are cast in multiple shows this season. “I’m working with fantastic directors,” said Prescod. “I’m just so grateful to have directors who will encourage their cast and just say, you know, you can do it, you got this.”

Prescod is cast as Richie in A Chorus Line, directed by FTC’s new Head of B.F.A Musical Theatre, Tyrone Robinson, as well as George in Godspell, directed by Professor Monica Athenas. “I think [Tyrone’s] gonna give a new perspective on theatre,” continued Prescod. “[Monica’s] bringing her all into Godspell and I know she’ll be fantastic to work with.”

Some theatre students also juggle crew responsibilities on top of acting. “This is my third year being the prop master for the theatre department, so that means I help with all the prop inventory and creation and making sure the stage is set,” said senior Margaret Switzer. “I’m also an understudy for two roles, so I’ve got a lot of reading to do, and I’m very excited for that.” Switzer is an understudy for Halie and Shelly in Buried Child, directed by Theatre Arts Chair Dr. David Krasner. She is also assistant stage manager for that production.

With seniors like Switzer paving the way, first-year students are diving head first into their acting careers here at Five Towns. Devin Rinberg, who’s playing Bobby in A Chorus Line, is ready to learn more skills to hone his craft. “As somebody that is still fairly new to theatre and is young and naive, I can definitely see myself relating to the subtext of Bobby as a character,” said Rinberg. “[It’s] such a great opportunity for me as someone that doesn’t have so much experience in dance-heavy shows.”

For Colored Girls will kick off this busy season and will be recent FTC graduate Egypt Dozier’s directorial debut. Dozier served as assistant director of Macbeth under Krasner.

“We have an exciting season of four terrific shows,” said Krasner. “It’s going to be a dynamic and well-rounded season.”

Tickets for all shows are available on the FTC website.