Emporia State University Theatre presents “Tough” by Margot Connolly. Performances are scheduled for March 6, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m. in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Black Box in Roosevelt Hall.
A troubled teen boot camp sells itself to parents as a behavior modification program that will help their daughters straighten out. The girls who have been sent here, however, learn it is a place of ever-changing rules, harsh punishments and ever-increasing desperation. When they hear a rumor that the program will be shut down if a camper dies, the girls plan their escape — by whatever means necessary. A staggering play that is unsentimental in its examination of the bonds between young women caught in an extreme set of circumstances, where cruelty and caring exist side by side. Despite its dark storytelling, it is never sensationalistic and is always loving in how seriously it takes its characters.
“What I have been inspired by during this production is the resilience of these characters,” said Aubrey Wilson, director. “These young women have been forced into an impossible situation. Checa sums it up best in one of her final moments on stage ‘…things move, right? Even stuff you think can’t. It’s just what happens. Things move, and you have to figure out how to move with them. That’s survival. That’s how the world works.’”
Wilson added: “Similarly, I am inspired by the resilience of this team. It is no small feat to mount a theatrical production. Between the costume shop, scenic shop and rehearsal room, our students have spent approximately 45 hours a week working on this production. Working on this production has felt important, exciting and inspiring. The acting team has been focused and passionate in a way that I have not often seen in the theatre. I credit that dedication to the importance of Connolly’s world. I hope that as a viewer you can leave with a sense of the care that went into this project.”
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 120 minutes with a 10-minute intermission. Tickets will also be available at the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre Box Office one hour before the show.
The cast consists of Chloe Eubanks (Emporia) as Riley, Hannah Johnson (Potwin) as Lorina, Libby Hitchcock (Olathe) as Maddy, Rachel Shaffer (Moran) as Checa, Eva Girard (Olathe) as Stef, San Haney (Larned) as Shan, JoyAnne Boutz (Topeka) as Mina.
The production team includes Aubrey Wilson (Director), Taylor Bisbee (Assistant Director), Production Stage Manager Evie Johnson (Canton), Assistant Stage Manager and Props Coordinator Jarrett Davis (Rossville), Assistant Stage Manager Sav Bard (Spring Hill), Chris Lohkamp (Scenic Designer, Technical Director, Scene Shop Manager) Nic Wilson (Lighting Designer/Sound Designer), Kelsey Looney (Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager), Master Carpenter Nicholas Thomas (Emporia), Wardrobe Crew Head Audrey Beebe (Olathe), Master Electrician Carly Welter (Olathe), Properties Coordinator Jyck Green (Emporia), Emily Lohkamp (Strength and Conditioning Trainer), and Jim Harris (Fight Choreographer).
The Lightboard Operator is Colin Newland (Wichita), and the Soundboard Operator is Maya Lee (Wichita). The Scenic Crew consists of Danielle McClellan (Americus), Lizzy Thomas (St. Marys), Lewis Trotter (Abilene), Shaylan Haney (Gardner), Alex Knudsen (Branson, Missouri). The Costume Crew consists of Kaitlyn Bartlett (Topeka), and Luis Rivera Rede (Liberal) and Ariam Mersera (Emporia). The House Manager is Ethan Maestas (Wichita).
Performances are scheduled for March 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m. in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Black Box in Roosevelt Hall. Visit emporia.edu/tickets and scroll down to the “Tough” event for additional information and to order tickets.