A play’s success relies on more than the actors in the spotlight. Behind the scenes, many individuals play key roles in bringing a production to life.
The University of Memphis Department of Theatre and Dance will present "As It Is in Heaven" beginning Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Edward and Bernice Humphreys Theater Building. As production nears completion, members of the creative team say they are eager to transport audiences into another world.
Students, faculty, and staff can claim a free ticket for the performance.
“I hope the audience experiences a window onto the past and is educated about a really unique bit of American culture,” said Holly L. Derr, director of the play and artistic director of the department.
Set in the 1800s, the play follows a long-standing Shaker religious community disrupted by the arrival of newcomers who challenge traditional beliefs. The story revolves around eight women navigating the changes.
“The show is about how the foundational order of your religious beliefs should never be lost,” said Kennan Quander, costume designer and director of costumes.
Because of the historical setting, the creative team conducted extensive research.
“I did a lot of reading about the Shakers, including religious history books, sociology, and books about Shaker song and dance,” Derr said. “I also looked into who the playwright is and why she wrote the play.”
Quander said costume design also required in-depth preparation.
“We always start with the time period. Since we’re replicating people who are no longer around, we just try to collect as much information as possible,” Quander said.
While directors and designers build the world, the actors bring it to life.
“My character Peggy is the cook of the group and the music leader, so my own head canon is that I taught all the others the songs,” said Madeline Comer, who plays Peggy.
As It Is in Heaven will run Sept. 25–27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 27–28 at 2 p.m. For more information on how to get tickets and future performances, visit the Department of Theatre and Dance website.
Darien Anderson can be contacted at djndrsn8@memphis.edu.
