Susan Deiger
UNK Theatre, 308.865.8406
“Pseudolus,” a Roman classic play, opens Wednesday, Nov. 18, on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus.
Directed by Jack Garrison, “Pseudolus” is a comedy written by ancient Roman playwright Plautus. It is described as a Roman farce dealing with slavery and other serious issues during the time that it was written.
“I thought that it was time to do something that has never been done before at UNK,” Garrison said. “It is Plautus’ best comedy, and I have always been curious if it could be done on the modern stage.” In the early 60s, the play was one of three by Plautus that provided the foundation for an adaptation that became “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” The UNK production is based on the original work, not the musical adaptation.
“What makes this play unique is that no one around here has ever seen a Plautine farce, much less ever had the opportunity to act in one,” Garrison said. “The cast is excellent in their acting. They have picked up the style and techniques of this type of farce quickly.”
“Pseudolus” is age-appropriate for audiences of high school age or older. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 18 -21, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22. All performances will take place in the Miriam Drake Theatre, located in the UNK Fine Arts Building. Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for seniors, UNK faculty/staff and non-UNK students; $3 each for a group of 10 or more; and free for UNK students with a valid ID. Reservations can be made by contacting the UNK Box Office at 308.865.8417 or unkboxoffice@unk.edu.
The student actors/actresses, year in school, and the roles they play, are listed below, alphabetically by hometown and state.
Axtell– Kassandra Wendell, junior, Philia
Columbus– Jakob Enzminger, graduate student, a cook
Crawford– Colter Lemmon, freshman, servant
Fremont– Jamie Bentley, sophomore, Xystilis
Kearney– Amy Jensen, junior, Hedylium; Kyle Garrelts, freshman, a boy; James Jelkin, senior, Pseudolus; Jordan Isaac, sophomore, Charinus
Lincoln– Nate Rocke, freshman, Calidorus; Spencer Wolfe, junior, Harpax
Lexington– Daniel Arias, sophomore, servant
Maywood– Clinton Norgaard, senior, Simo
O’Neill– Jordan Peterson, sophomore, Ballio; Ryan Lieb, sophomore, Callipho
Ralston– Sara O’Neill, freshman, Phoenicium
Winside– Brittany Greunke, junior, Aeschrodora
COLORADO
Castle Rock– Abby Claar, sophomore, Philocomasium
SOUTH DAKOTA
Pierre– Nate White, junior, Simia
WYOMING
Carpenter– Deanna Thrush, sophomore, servant
The student stage management and design team includes:
Columbus– Elizabeth Uchtman, senior, stage manager
Kearney– Kyle Garrelts, freshman, assistant stage manager
KANSAS
Manhattan– Carolyn Wirtz, senior, hair and makeup designer
The faculty crew includes: Dr. Jack Garrison, director; Darin Himmerich, technical director; Sara Ice, costume designer; Rick Scholwin, sound designer; and Mark Wethington, scenic and lighting designer
