KEARNEY – University Theatre at Kearney is presenting the world premiere of “Say It Out Loud,” a play written by University of Nebraska at Kearney alumna Lauren Bonk.
The workshop production is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Miriam Drake Theatre inside UNK’s Fine Arts Building.
“Say It Out Loud” is a vivid exploration of identity, a protest against outdated social expectations, and a celebration of the friendships that breathe magic into our lives.
After being blindsided by a fast, unceremonious divorce, Callie Godrick has managed to settle into a tolerable routine – work, eat, sleep, repeat. But when an upcoming wedding brings her ex-husband crashing back into her life, she’s forced to confront the fears and insecurities she thought she’d successfully swept under the rug. In this offbeat “unromantic comedy,” audience members get an intimate glimpse into Callie’s mind – her memories, her self-image, her hopes, and her daydreams.
The play is directed by Suzanne Withem, with an original soundtrack by Mark Rose, vocalist/guitarist for the American rock band Spitalfield. The cast includes UNK students Olivia Behrens, Aspen (AJ) Girard, Nikki Knoell, Bri Linden, Keegan Spence and Alexis Tira, as well as alumni Danny Grimm and Jared Zwiener. A freelance writer and Kearney resident, Bonk graduated from UNK in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in English and theater education.
“Say It Out Loud” is recommended for mature teen audiences and older. The show runs approximately two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. Audience members are invited to a talk-back with Bonk, Withem and Rose immediately following the Wednesday evening performance.
General admission tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and youths ages 13-18; $7 per person for groups of 10 or more; and free for UNK students with a valid ID. The UNK Theatre Box Office is open 1:30 to 5 p.m. weekdays and one hour prior to each performance. All ticket purchases are payable by cash or check only. For reservations, call 308-865-8417 or email boxoffice@unk.edu.
PHOTOS BY ERIKA PRITCHARD, UNK COMMUNICATIONS
Cast (listed by hometown)
Amherst – Danny Grimm (Guitarist)
Cairo – Bri Linden (Cameron)
Holdrege – Nikki Knoell (Trish)
Kearney – Aspen (AJ) Girard (Darrel)
Kearney – Jared Zwiener (Gavin/Stephen)
Minden – Alexis Tira (Juice)
Omaha – Olivia Behrens (Callie)
Omaha – Keegan Spence (Sam/Bryant)
Student Artistic and Production Staff
Aurora, Colorado – Nathaniel York (scenic designer)
Kearney – Ava Lindstrom (assistant stage manager)
Kearney – Carroll LaClair (technical director)
Kearney – Laura Rozema (dramaturg)
Lincoln – Steele Hayes (sound designer)
Lincoln – Samm O’Connor (properties master)
Mitchell – Zane Blomenkamp (assistant lighting designer)
North Platte – Hannah Sims (assistant stage manager)
Papillion – Makayla Strosnider (stage manager)
Faculty/Staff/Guest Artistic Team
Suzanne Withem, guest director
Andrew Brackett, lighting designer
Giovanni Flores, sound engineer
Bridget Klein, costume designer
