Ethington Theatre

It is set to be an experience like no other this week as the College of Fine Arts and Production brings Arthur Kopit’s “Wings” to the new outdoor stage. The performance showcases the effects a stroke can have on individuals and the people around them during rehabilitation. “It’s a play that touches us all because almost each and every one of us has a friend, has a relative, has somebody that they know who has suffered a traumatic brain injury,” COFAP Dean and “Wings” Director Claude Pensis said.

The outdoor stage for the production of “The Comedy of Errors” was a major success. Counting the livestream viewers, the five performances averaged more people than the 311-person capacity of Ethington Theatre and were well-received by the in-person audiences. “A lot of audience members commented on how fun it was,” said William Symington, Assistant Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Production.

GCU’s Film Festival brought a multitude of different emotions to an audience of eager film viewers Friday night. Within the eight categories, film students highlighted the talent emerging from COFAP’s film department. The top three films within each category, with the exception of music videos with four, competed for the trophy. “It’s a huge honor and there’s a lot of really talented film makers so I’m really blessed just to be able to come away with any win,” Matthew Wagner said about his film’s win in the comedy category.

For fans of Romantic Comedies, than Ethington theatre has the production for you, in it’s second play of the season. “Arms and the Man” is a play written by George Bernard Shaw and showcases a number of central character’s journey to find true love. “I think it’s super interesting sort of the way holds up over time and the way that the meaning shifts,” Alexander Cavanaugh said. “Since the play was originally an anti-war piece, how we’re honing in now on the romanization and the way we present ourselves verses how we actually are as people, it’s cool to see how that translates today and holds up as a piece of art.”

Grand Canyon University Theatre Department’s first play of the 2019-2020 season looks to be one of the most comedic it has done in a while. Director Michael Kary compares the comedic styles to shows like “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation,” and the cast said audiences won’t want to miss the production. “It’s very funny, I will go as far as to say I’ve never been part of a show that is funnier than this one,” said Micah Larsen, who plays the role of Francis Henshall. “There’s a laugh at every turn, so if that’s not good enough reason to come out and laugh a little, I don’t know what is.”

The premier of “Godspell” hits Ethington Theatre tonight, and offers a colorful musical experience, that showcases a modern interpretation of the book of Matthew. The music, composed by Stephen Swartz of Pippin and Wicked fame, provides a unique take on the stories, integrating forms of rock with adapted hymns. “We are singing the word of God and passages from the bible because we just feel an immense amount of joy about it and I feel like that’s what makes music in this show different than other shows,” cast member Charlotte Perkis said. The show will be performed March 22-24 and March 29-31. Friday and Saturday Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m.

GCU’s Theatre Department is in rehearsals for its first play of the season, the dreamy, fairy tale-like comedy “Ring Round the Moon.” The department will change pace for its other submissions for the 2018-19 season: the Shakespeare tragedy “Macbeth,” Peter Pan origin story “Peter and the Starcatcher,” Holocaust drama “Who Will Carry the Word” and bright, shiny musical “Godspell.”

Take an early comedy by William Shakespeare, add a dash of director Scott Campbell and you get a magical production of “Two Gentlemen of Verona” complete with wizards, wands and non-human creatures. The play opens on Friday, Feb. 10, at Ethington Theatre.

­ Photos by Slaven Gujic GCU News Bureau Ethington Theatre’s production of “Our Town” runs this weekend and next, closing 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. But don’t let Thanksgiving weekend stop you from enjoying GCU’s wonderful presentation of Thornton Wilder’s 1938 Pulitzer-Prize winning drama.The show has has a perfect message for any time of year and shows us a slice of Americana while giving us a powerful message. It reminds us that times and ways of life may change, but what truly matters is just as true now as then.For tickets, click here. Students get tickets free with ID. For a story about the show, click here.      

Story and photos by Laurie Merrill GCU News Bureau For stage manager Jennifer Estrada, the message of Ethington Theatre’s “Our Town” is both poignant and personal. “The show talks a lot about living life to the fullest and how every minute could be your last,” Estrada said. “I’m a senior graduating in December, so it’s even more sentimental for me.” Our Town, which follows the loves and lives of Emily and George of Grover’s Corners, N.H., from 1899 to 1913, is an intimate experience that packs a powerful reminder: Pay attention to the wonderful things in life — before it is too late. “As a parent, it’s hard to get through without weeping,” said director Michael Kary, College of Fine Arts and Production instructor. “Coming from this side, all that time is gone, but now I have kids and I want to hug them and open their eyes and let them know that I love them because I never know when my final comment will come.” The 1938 play by American playwright Thornton Wilder is the second Pulitzer Prize winner in a row that COFAP has produced, following the musical political satire, “Of Thee I Sing.” Our Town is unusual in […]