HUTC finds hope and redemption with ‘Reckless’
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, February 13, 2013
HUNTINGTON, Ind. In a flash, Rachel's world is turned upside down when her husband reveals a shocking secret. Out the window and into the snow, Rachel (Lindsay Hoops-Siewert) falls, not unlike the way Alice falls down the rabbit hole, thus beginning a whimsy journey of identity crisis and self-discovery.Written by "The Light in the Piazza" playwright Craig Lucas, "Reckless" is a tale marked with vivid characters that Rachel meets along the way, including social worker Lloyd (Josh Cookingham) and his deaf and mute paraplegic wife Pooty (Makenna Belt). They take her in but harbor secrets of their own. This dark dream-like comedy will cause audiences to question which scenes reflect reality and which reflect Rachel's rapidly changing perspective.
The cast is comprised of nine students, who will play a total of 21 roles. Jay Duffer, assistant professor of theatre, will direct.
"('Reckless') has freed me in many ways," Duffer said. "The show focuses closely on both Rachel's journey and the strong relationships she forges in a short period of time. I have been far less hands-on with this particular cast of actors. They are a talented and passionate group of students and take the rehearsal process very seriously, so I am free to step out of the picture and not give every single beat or moment a direction. Instead, I have found myself talking a great deal more with the actors about the character's given circumstances and then watch the actors' impulses go to work. That kind of work is a highly enjoyable creative environment."
Duffer hopes audiences take away the hope that is found in the way the characters in "Reckless" cope with tragedy.
"This really is an exaggerated fable of fractured identity," he said. "Where does the source of who we are, deep down, come from? The play also deals with themes of redemption and forgiveness, running away from our problems and finding the ability to cope through tragedy. It might sound like a depressing play, but it is in fact the opposite. There is much humor in this play, just as there is in life."
"Reckless" will be shown in the Merillat Centre for the Arts Studio Theatre at Huntington University Feb. 28-March 2 and March 6-9. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with a special 2 p.m. matinee performance on March 2. This show contains content that may not be suitable for children younger than 12.
Tickets cost $12 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, $5 for HU students and $9 for HU faculty/staff.
For reservations, call the MCA Box Office at 260-359-4261 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Tickets also will be sold at the door before every performance. Tickets are now on sale. Buy your tickets today as seating is limited.
For more information about the Huntington University Theatre Company, visit www.huntington.edu/theatre.
