Lake Zurich High School tackles difficult 'Dancing at Lughnasa'
Lake Zurich High School students will take the stage this weekend to present their fall play, "Dancing at Lughnasa." Mary Beth Euker is helping get the word out about the production. She tells us what you need to know.
Q. What type of play is it?
A. This is a modern Irish drama. By "modern" we don't mean that it is set in today's world. It is set in 1936 but given the comparative history of Irish theater, this is modern.
Tell us what you know about the author, and the history behind this play.
A. Brian Friel is an Irish playwright who was born in 1929. He is very prolific. "Dancing at Lughnasa" is loosely based upon his mother and aunts who lived in County Donegal and the economic strife and looming political change of 1936 Ireland.
What's the appeal of doing this play from your point of view?
A. The appeal is an opportunity to teach students and present to our patrons a historical yet poetic portrayal of 1936 Ireland. This piece features a struggle between Christianity and paganism and the result of uncontrollable events upon tradition.
What makes this play fabulous?
A. The unwritten dialogue, the pure acting which presents the tension between the human desires for order and stability and for excitement and new experience.
Without giving too much away, is there a "don't miss" moment, and when does it come?
A. The play features a depth of emotion told through the acting and relationship of the sisters. It is a slow build that will capture the audience's heartstrings with its poignancy and the heartbreaking nature of the epilogue.
Has the play received awards or notable nominations?
A. Yes. "Dancing at Lughnasa" was awarded the following honors: 1991 Evening Standard Award for Best Play; 1991 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play; 1992 New York Drama Critics' Circle Best Play; and the 1992 Tony Award for Best Play.
Here is the cast and crew of "Dancing at Lughnasa."
Crew
Director: Ron Culver
Technical Director: Marcel Graham
Student Director: Savannah Haeger
Stage Manager: Brandon Mundschenk.
Cast
Michael: Joe Browy
Kate: Carla Nasui
Agnes: Keely Banach
Maggie: Rumour Elbrecht
Rose: Austyn Davis
Chris: Sarah Broj
Young Michael: Luke Spoerlein
Gerry: Jake Howell
The production also features an ensemble of Irish townspeople.
<p class=factboxtext12col><b>If you go </b></p> <p class=factboxtext12col><b>What:</b> Lake Zurich High School presents "Dancing at Lughnasa"</p> <p class=factboxtext12col><b>When:</b> 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, through Saturday, Nov. 14</p> <p class=factboxtext12col><b>Where:</b> Lake Zurich High School's Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich</p> <p class=factboxtext12col><b>Cost:</b> $8 for students and seniors, $10 for adults in advance. All tickets are $2 extra if purchased at the door. They can be reserved in advance through the ticket hotline at (847) 540-4740 or email at <a href="mailto:boxoffice@lz95.org">boxoffice@lz95.org</a>. </p>