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SMSU Theater to present ‘46 Plays for America’s First Ladies’

In keeping with this election season, SMSU Theater’s fall production is “46 Plays for America’s First Ladies” by Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Sharon Greene, Chloe Johnston, Bilal Dardai and Andy Bayiates. Performances are Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets are $10 and will be available only at the door. Seating is first-come, first-served. Admission is free for SMSU employees and students with valid ID. Free and convenient parking is available in SMSU Lot B-1.

“46 Plays for America’s First Ladies” leaps from comic to tragic as it surveys the lives of the women who have served (and avoided serving) as First Lady, from Martha Washington to Jill Biden. The show is a biographical, meta-theatrical, genre-bending ride through race, gender, and everything else your teacher never taught you about the history of America. This show contains adult language, sharp satire, and mentions of difficult subjects, including slavery, war, violence, illness, and the loss of children.

“46 Plays” was created by the Neo-Futurists, a Chicago-based collective of writer/director/performers. The Neo-Futurists are known for shows that pack many miniature plays, often centering on a particular theme or issue, into one performance event. In 2016, SMSU Theatre presented the Neo-Futurist’s “44 Plays for 44 Presidents.”

“46 Plays” is directed by Professor Nadine Purvis Schmidt of Estelline, South Dakota, who is also the producer. Professor of theater Sheila Tabaka of Marshall, is the costume designer. Assistant professor of theater Tetta M. Askeland of Marshall, is the scenic and lighting designer. Sally Tabaka, a junior theater arts major from Marshall, is the assistant director. Olivia Houseman, a sophomore theater arts major from Marshall, is the stage manager and the props co-manager.

The cast and production team includes the following students and alumni, with each actor playing multiple roles.

Cast:

Sariah Cheadle, an SMSU theater arts alum of Marshall.

Peder Early, a freshman elementary education major and theater arts minor from Inver Grove Heights.

Lillian Guggisberg, a freshman exercise science major and Spanish and music minor from Lynd.

Bryn Mongeau, a senior theater arts and music double major from Beaver Creek.

Priscilla Muehr, a sophomore theater arts major from Luverne. Muehr is also the projections designer.

Jazzlyn Nelson, a freshman secondary English education major and acting/directing minor from Inver Grove Heights.

JJ Ostenson, a freshman theater arts major from Edgemont, South Dakota.

Amelia Reid, a sophomore environmental science major from Eden Valley.

Eden Riegle, a sophomore studio art and graphic design major and marketing minor from Stillwater.

Jules Scarborough, a freshman theater arts major and psychology minor from St. Cloud.

Alyster Schmidt, a junior theater arts major from Westbrook. Schmidt is also the sound designer.

Arianna Urch, a junior marketing major from New Ulm.

David Wendt, a sophomore music education major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Production team:

Laura Bradley, a junior secondary education-history major and theater arts minor from Brooklyn Park, is the house manager and dramaturg.

Kayla Browen, a sophomore music education major and design/technical theater minor from Worthington, is an assistant stage manager and props co-manager.

Michael Sieling, a sophomore theater arts major from Hanley Falls, is the assistant sound designer.

“46 Plays for America’s First Ladies” is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com). Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to the start of each show.

Starting at $4.38/week.

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