Fall play brings back old children's book
Theatre department puts comic spin on classic story
Kristin Dalin - STAFF WRITER
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Features
Students will become copiers, faucets, and elevators Nov. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Viking Theatre for the theatre department's production of "Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day," an interactive musical adaptation of a children's book.
Tickets for "Alexander" will be $5 for General Admission, $3 for students and seniors at all performances. Children under age 14 are free. The play lasts approximately an hour and is a humanities passport event for Grand View students.
The play, written by Judith Viorst, author of the book, is directed by Kristin Larson, assistant professor of speech and theatre, stars Josh Rinderknecht, broadcast and religion senior, as Alexander, and an ensemble cast of six singing and moving with a rolling set designed by Sean Kearney, professor of speech and theatre arts, technical director.
"The set is fanciful. It's a heightened reality and it's playful," Larson said.
Every bad thing that can happen to Alexander does. Larson said "Alexander" is heartwarming story is for everyone.
"This is a comedy. We're meant to laugh at the foibles of Alexander who can't seem to do anything right," Larson said.
Rinderknecht said, "I grew up with three older brother and had those days too, so I could relate to what he's going through. It's fun because his day is so ridiculous. Everything that could go wrong goes wrong in a very humorous way."
Rinderknecht said he is enjoying the production. He likes the singing but says it has been a challenge. Alexander talks a lot to the audience and asks the children to participate.
"I like that we get to be involved with the audience. We actually go out in the audience and interact with them," Dollie Pinegar, journalism and broadcast sophomore, a member of the ensemble cast, said.
Larson said she is enjoying working with Rinderknecht.
"Almost every night he has me giggling so I know the audience is going to be delighted by the performance. It's kind of nice to see someone from outside the theatre department come in and light it on fire," Larson said.
Tickets for "Alexander" will be $5 for General Admission, $3 for students and seniors at all performances. Children under age 14 are free. The play lasts approximately an hour and is a humanities passport event for Grand View students.
The play, written by Judith Viorst, author of the book, is directed by Kristin Larson, assistant professor of speech and theatre, stars Josh Rinderknecht, broadcast and religion senior, as Alexander, and an ensemble cast of six singing and moving with a rolling set designed by Sean Kearney, professor of speech and theatre arts, technical director.
"The set is fanciful. It's a heightened reality and it's playful," Larson said.
Every bad thing that can happen to Alexander does. Larson said "Alexander" is heartwarming story is for everyone.
"This is a comedy. We're meant to laugh at the foibles of Alexander who can't seem to do anything right," Larson said.
Rinderknecht said, "I grew up with three older brother and had those days too, so I could relate to what he's going through. It's fun because his day is so ridiculous. Everything that could go wrong goes wrong in a very humorous way."
Rinderknecht said he is enjoying the production. He likes the singing but says it has been a challenge. Alexander talks a lot to the audience and asks the children to participate.
"I like that we get to be involved with the audience. We actually go out in the audience and interact with them," Dollie Pinegar, journalism and broadcast sophomore, a member of the ensemble cast, said.
Larson said she is enjoying working with Rinderknecht.
"Almost every night he has me giggling so I know the audience is going to be delighted by the performance. It's kind of nice to see someone from outside the theatre department come in and light it on fire," Larson said.
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