By Jeff Murphy,
September 20, 2023
WARRENSBURG, MO – Get ready for innovative and entertaining stage performances as
ŷƵ (UCM) Theatre and Dance presents the mainstage play,
“Everybody,” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins at the James L. Highlander Theatre. The play
takes place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28-30, and at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1.
A show that deals with mature themes and adult language, “Everybody” is a contemporary
take on the 15th-century play “Everyman” that explores the universal experience of
mortality. “Everybody” delves into the unknown in a way never before seen on the Highlander
stage. Each night, five of the 10 actors will walk on stage oblivious of their role
in the show. Early in the play, the role of Everybody, an individual character, will
be decided by lottery, thus making each night different than the one before, and representing
how death comes for every man. The story follows Everybody as they journey through
the greatest mystery – the meaning of life. While facing this daunting fact, the performers
also will wrestle with Death, a physical persona of it, that is, and face the fear
of their looming demise. Filled with humor, wit and profound insights, the modern
play delves into existential questions about life, death and the choices we make along
the way. “Everybody” appeals to something in, well, everybody.
When asked about the production, Jenise Cook, the play’s director, stated, “You will
want to join us for every performance. The show utilizes a lottery system so there
are many different outcomes for our show. Each night will have a different spin on
Everybody and showcase a totally different show.”
During the matinee on Sunday, Oct. 1, UCM Theatre and Dance will present its Pay-What-You-Can
performance. Audiences may choose to pay any amount, $1 or above, for a ticket. Additionally,
for the Thursday evening performance, ASL interpreters will be provided. New this
year, all tickets for UCM Theatre and Dance productions are free for UCM students
upon showing their UCM student ID. Tickets are also free for active military, veterans,
and military families upon purchasing at the Theatre and Dance Box Office with a military
ID.
The cast includes: Jen White, Riley Given, Caleb Klaus, Raegan Weber and Paige Showen
as the “Somebodies”, Grace’e Carr as Death, Rosalyn Schuster as Usher/God/Understanding,
Madison Keep as Friendship/Love, Alannah Trigg as Kinship/Time, Austin Cecil as Cousin/Evil,
Molly Jones as Stuff, and Sophie Heathcock as Girl.
The production team includes: Director, Jenise Cook; Assistant Director, Stephanie
Heathcock; Stage Manager, Emily Meehan; Assistant Stage Manager, Joe Devero; Lighting
and Sound Design, Aleksandra Combs; Assistant Lighting Design, Braeden Sholes; Scenic
Design/Technical Direction, Spencer Musser; Costume, Hair and Makeup Design, Cassie
Kay Hoppas; Property Design, Wes Freeman, Light Board Operation, McKenna Sanford;
Sound Board Operation, Samuel Fischer; Sound Crew, Raegan Medlock; Publicity/Marketing
Director, Dr. Aaron Scully; Social Media Marketing Specialist, Shanna Sinow; Graduate
Shop Assistant, Dalima Kapten; Box Office Managers: Finn Juliano and Keyvon Lewis;
Office Professional, Lars Jepsen; Office Student Assistants, Shanna Sinow and Grace
Clark.
Free parking to attend the performance in the Highlander Theatre is available at the
parking lot on Clark Street, directly south of the theatre. Individuals who have questions
about the production are asked to please contact Dr. Aaron Scully at ascully@ucmo.edu
or call the UCM Theatre and Dance main office at 660-543-4020.
Tickets are available at the UCM Theatre and Dance office in Martin 113 from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, by calling 660-543-8811 or online at . Anyone who has questions about tickets should please call 660-543-8811 or email
boxoffice@ucmo.edu.