Stories, improv comedy kick-off Black Box Theatre seasonPosted: November 5th, 2009CONTACT: John Shibley, e-mail, 906-635-2314; Tom Pink, e-mail, 635-2314; Prof Gray Balfantz, 635-2275 , e-mail.
By Alani M’echel Weathers
LSSU Arts Intern
SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH. – Lake Superior State University's Theatre Company will inaugurate its Black Box Theatre season with three unique performances Nov. 6-7 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.
The Hairy Man, performed by Alani M’echel Weathers, is a popular African-American folktale — or jumptale — that was often told by the late Jackie Torrence. Torrence was a storyteller well-versed in traditional American and African-American folklore and folktales. Her popularity as a storyteller grew in her local community and led to a professional career telling tales in 47 states, Great Britain, New Zealand, Guam, Sweden, and Mexico.
Running for the Storm Cellar is performed by Kadie Brinks, Gabrielle Castillo, Tevor Lanuzza, and Wayne Thompson. It is adapted from the first part of Julie William’s book, Escaping Tornado Season, a Story in Poems.
The story is a glimpse into the life of Allie Benton, who spends her summers with grandparents in Northern Minnesota to escape Nebraska’s tornado season. However, during a summer when Allie comes of age, she soon discovers that the storms of life are not as easy to escape as those from Mother Nature. (The Theatre Company will perform Running for the Storm Cellar at the 95th annual National Communication Association Conference in Chicago on Nov. 13.)
Performances conclude with LSSU's newly created Fill in the Blank Improv Company. The group formed last spring to provide regular entertaining improvisational comedy, original sketches, and other media.
As such, it serves as a creative outlet for students by students who listen to and consider requests from the student body to improve the quality of the performances.
Fill in the Blank also lends another dimension to the fine and performing arts program at LSSU. It features students Matthew Bell, Laura Benedict, Eric Carns, Stephen Dishman, Emma Ringer, Tory Rowley, Cliff Schaut, Kyle Stockdale, and Ashley Traynor.
Now in its ninth season, LSSU's Black Box Theatre presents non-dramatic literature, storytelling, performance art, and installation work using non-traditional approaches and techniques.
All performances are in Room 262 of LSSU's Arts Center. Tickets are only available at the door and are $5 for all students with valid ID, $10 for general admission.
For more information, contact Prof. Gary Balfantz at 906-635-2278 or gbalfantz@lssu.edu.
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