SMSU Theater’s 54th season closes with “The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov,” adapted by Emily Mann. Performances are April 4-9 at 7:30 p.m. and April 10 at 2 p.m. All performances are in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre, with free parking available in lot B-1. Tickets are $10 and are available at www.SMSUtickets.com and at the door. All performances are free to SMSU students with a valid student ID.

Considered a theater classic, “The Cherry Orchard” is SMSU Theater’s first-ever production of a full-length Chekhov play. Alternately funny and poignant, “The Cherry Orchard” follows Lyubov and her family in 1904 as the fate of their cash-poor estate and its beautiful orchard is uncertain.

SMSU Theater alumnus Alex Pikiben (’15) is the guest lighting designer. Pikiben recently completed his master of fine arts degree with specialization in sound and lighting design at the University of South Dakota, and is now a freelance sound designer based in Minneapolis.

“The Cherry Orchard” is directed by Professor Nadine Purvis Schmidt of Estelline, S.D., who is also the producer. Professor Sheila Tabaka of Marshall is the costume designer. Assistant Professor Tetta M. Askeland of Marshall is the scenic and sound designer. Maggie Tabaka, a freshman from Marshall, is the stage manager.

The cast and production team includes:

Jasper Ale, a junior theater arts major from Nigeria, as Yasha. Ale is also the wigs and hair coordinator.

Tailer Benson, a junior theater arts and communication studies double major from Elk River, as Anya.

Brady Berg, a senior theater arts major from Wells, as Gayev.

Alexis Christensen, a senior flute/vocal performance major, and TESL and acting/directing double minor, as Varya.

Alexander Duus, a sophomore broadcast and digital media major, and acting/directing and filmmaking double minor from Tyler, as Lopahkin.

Molly Green, a junior theater arts major and justice administration minor from Silver Lake, as Dunyasha. Green is also the co-props manager.

Matthew Hartley, a senior political science major and biology and acting/directing double minor from Winner, S.D., as Yephikhodov.

Roger Heinrich, a student from Austin, as the Postmaster.

Colton Jensen, a junior theater arts major from Sanborn, as Trofimov. Jensen is also the assistant director.

Makayla Kennedy, a freshman early childhood/elementary education major from Stewartville, as Charlotta. Kennedy is also the co-props manager.

Bryn Mongeau, a sophomore theater arts and music double major from Beaver Creek, as Lyubov.

Jim Radloff, an SMSU English literature and acting/directing alumnus and current graduate student in education from Lynd, as Pishchik

Bob Schwoch, an SMSU theater arts alumnus and staff member, as the Vagrant and the Stationmaster.

Jordan Stangeland, an SMSU theater arts graduate from Marshall, as Firs.

Allyson Thuringer, a senior psychology major and criminal justice minor from Sioux Falls, S.D., as a party guest and the understudy for Dunyasha.

Joy Krosschell, a senior psychology major and management minor from Wells, is the assistant stage manager.

Sara Karpen, a senior professional writing and communication major from Tea, S.D., is the house manager.

“The Cherry Orchard” is presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service.