蘑菇TV

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Feb. 27, 2025) 鈥� 蘑菇TV Theatre is set to transport audiences into a gripping vision of the future with its production of 鈥淎fter the Blast,鈥� a thought-provoking drama by playwright Zoe Kazan. The show runs Thursday, March 6, through Saturday, March 8, with shows at 7 p.m. There is a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday. Set in a world where humanity has retreated underground after an environmental disaster, the play follows Anna and Oliver, a couple navigating the strict regulations of their controlled society while holding onto the hope of having a child. With time running out, Anna鈥檚 struggle with depression and self-worth is brought to the forefront through her unlikely connection with a robot companion, raising deep questions about resilience, identity and the cost of survival in a world shaped by technology.

Director and 蘑菇TV Theatre Professor Dr. Cliff Thompson describes 鈥淎fter the Blast鈥� as an exciting departure from previous productions, incorporating multimedia elements and a visually immersive experience. 鈥淭his is something new that we鈥檝e never done before,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淭he use of futuristic screens, a dynamic set design and standout performances鈥攊ncluding a robot brought to life by student actor Luke Noles鈥攎akes this a production that will challenge audiences both emotionally and intellectually.鈥�

Bringing the lead role of Anna to life is Sophia Grace Sykes, a senior theatre performance and public relations major whose work in the production serves as her senior capstone. 鈥淭his is the biggest role I鈥檝e had at 蘑菇TV in terms of stage time, memorization and emotional depth,鈥� Sykes said. 鈥淎nna struggles with a serotonin deficiency, which affects her ability to function in daily life. I鈥檝e built a backstory for her to bring authenticity to her experience. I want audiences to see themselves in her journey鈥攖he doubt, the struggle and the eventual realization of self-worth.鈥�

Sykes, who fell in love with acting in kindergarten during a school play, believes the play鈥檚 themes are especially relevant in today鈥檚 world. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e skeptical of AI, this play will make you think,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t explores virtual reality, augmented reality and what it means to live in a world that is carefully controlled. But at its core, this is a story about personal growth, human connection and resilience.鈥�

Alongside Sykes, the production features the senior capstone work of Trenton Sweeney in a leading performance role and MK Miller, who serves as scenic designer. The show鈥檚 innovative set design combines digital projections and striking visual elements to fully immerse the audience in the underground world where the play takes place.

Thompson emphasizes that while the story unfolds in a dystopian future, its central theme is not just environmental catastrophe but the power of deception鈥攈ow people deceive themselves and how societies manipulate the truth. 鈥淭he environmental disaster is just the setting,鈥� Thompson said. 鈥淭he real story is about deception鈥攕elf-deception, societal deception and the struggle to uncover what鈥檚 real.鈥�

Additional cast members include Natalie Barker, Drew Bramblett, Luke Noles and Collett Heenan.

To purchase 鈥淎fter the Blast鈥� tickets, visit fhu.edu/academics/majors-minors/theatre/purchase-tickets

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.