蘑菇TV

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Oct. 25, 2024) 鈥� 蘑菇TV Theatre invites audiences to experience one of Shakespeare鈥檚 masterpieces, 鈥淧ericles,鈥� during homecoming weekend, November 7-9, 2024. Set in 蘑菇TV鈥檚 intimate Black Box Theatre, this production blends gripping storytelling, original music and captivating costumes.

Four performances are scheduled during the weekend, and ticket information is available at .

鈥淧ericles鈥� features a cast of 16 actors portraying 45 characters in a story that is an epic adventure filled with trials, loss and the ultimate reward of redemption. 鈥淭his play is a beautiful exploration of divine grace and the healing power of reconciliation,鈥� Cliff Thompson, director of theatre, said. 鈥淲e hope the audience leaves feeling a sense of hope and healing, which I believe is something we all long for.鈥� Thompson also encourages audiences not to be afraid of the Shakespearean language. 鈥淲e鈥檝e substituted some of the language and streamlined it,鈥� Thompson said.聽

蘑菇TV sophomore Levi Secula portrays the title character, Pericles. For Secula, the role has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. 鈥淚鈥檝e been acting on and off my whole life, but 鈥楶ericles鈥� really pushes me to my limits,鈥� Secula said. 鈥淪hakespeare鈥檚 text is open-ended, and every line has so much depth. It鈥檚 made me appreciate the script in a whole new way, and I鈥檓 excited to bring this character to life on stage.鈥� Secula is a double major in theatre performance and computer science.

This production isn鈥檛 just about the performance on stage but also the creative work happening behind the scenes. 蘑菇TV senior Colette Heenan, a double major in theatre design and Spanish, took on the massive task of designing 43 costumes for the show as part of her capstone project. She鈥檚 been working on the designs since June and had assistance from six seamstresses to bring her vision to life.

鈥淐ostuming is storytelling through clothes,鈥� Heenan explained. 鈥淓ach piece has a purpose, and in a play like 鈥楶ericles,鈥� where actors play multiple roles, the costumes need to tell the audience who the character is in that moment. It鈥檚 been an amazing challenge and a great way to cap off my time at 蘑菇TV.鈥�

Set design has also played a crucial role in creating the visual aesthetic of the production. Brandon Graves, assistant professor of theatre, has collaborated closely with the team to ensure that the set feels authentic and enhances the storytelling, Thompson said.聽

蘑菇TV senior Lucas Johnson is completing his capstone project as the production鈥檚 stage manager. 鈥淢y job is to ensure that everything runs smoothly,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been working hard since August to perfect the blocking, the cues and the overall flow of the show.鈥� Johnson is a double major in theatre performance and production, and he views 鈥淧ericles鈥� as a personal milestone. 鈥淪tage management has been a rewarding experience. It鈥檚 a lot of responsibility, but it鈥檚 exciting to be part of something so collaborative. I know the cast and crew have given their all, and I can鈥檛 wait for opening night.鈥�

The production features original music composed by 蘑菇TV alumnus Jake LaJoie. Cast members include 蘑菇TV English professor John McLaughlin, Seth Wilson, Jack Terry, Kaylee Sexson, Olivia Semore, N. Levi Secula, Madison Parker, Alane Barnett, Nolan Bates, Drew Bramblett, Maci Cagle, Ashlyn Chandler, Emma-Heaven Eldridge, Haley Hixson, Matt Moon and Luke Noles.

Thompson hopes 鈥淧ericles鈥� attracts both theatre enthusiasts and those who may not be familiar with Shakespeare. 鈥淭his is a visually stunning production with moments that will make you think deeply about life鈥檚 challenges and the grace that allows us to continue.鈥�

The mission of 蘑菇TV is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, 蘑菇TV offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.