The Spoon River Project Haunts the Narrative
Mercyhurst Theatre relaunches summer program with a story of community
BEGINNING FRIDAY, AUG. 14
When we die, do we carry our regrets into the afterlife? What about our triumphs? Our dreams? Our stories as a whole? The Mercyhurst Theatre program answers these questions and more in their upcoming production of The Spoon River Project, a play inspired and adapted from Edgar Lee Masters' 1915 collection of free verse poetry, Spoon River Anthology.
Immerse yourself in the small town of Spoon River, where its residents reflect on their lives even after they've ended. "I've approached the play less as a ghost story than as an act of remembrance," said Director Dr. Brett Johnson. "The company serves as the keepers of these stories, giving voice to lives that still have something to teach us about love, loss, regret, joy, and forgiveness."
These themes and many others will be brought to life over the course of more than 40 stories. It is portrayed by a cast of students, Lakers alumni, and guest artists alike, reflecting that sense of community both off and onstage.
The message remains even more fitting as Mercyhurst University celebrates their centennial later this year.
Told within a small, intimate setting, Johnson hopes to create "a space where memory, music, and storytelling can come together."
The Spoon River Project comes just in time to relaunch Mercyhurst's summer theater program after a 13-year hiatus. The program encourages patrons of the arts to come to the Taylor Little Theatre and recognize the hard work these performers and the creative team have put into the show and create new memories and experiences along the way.
"Our focus is on making these three performances as meaningful as possible while laying the foundation for what we hope becomes a lasting summer theatre tradition," stated Johnson.
Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. // Taylor Little Theatre, 501 E. 38th St. // $5-$15 // For tickets and info: miac.mercyhurst.edu
Mercyhurst University is participating in Erie Gives Day on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Visit eriegives.org to donate.
