Students present the faculty-directed drama “Hedda Gabler” May 7-9

North Central College features student actors in the faculty-directed drama “Hedda Gabler” May 7-9.

Four performances of “Hedda Gabler” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 7-9 and at 2 p.m. May 9 in the theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. Tickets are $10/adults and $8/students and senior citizens; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

“Hedda Gabler,” a late 19th century classic play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, has intrigued audiences and ensembles for generations. The play’s central character, Hedda Gabler, is the idealistic heroine yet callus antagonist who’s both a victim of circumstance and master manipulator, trapped by society in a world that does not fit her.

Directed by Halena Kays, North Central College visiting assistant professor of theatre, the play follows Hedda along her journey of impulse and emotion that’s passionate, desperate and all too human. Throughout this journey, she provokes an array of calculated, destructive schemes in an attempt to make an impact on her husband, friends and lovers’ lives, ultimately looking for a way to live free and unencumbered.

Kays’ adaptation of “Hedda Gabler” will fully incorporate these aspects and offers a rich opportunity for careful, subtle and wild performances to rage and sing across stage. On the character of Hedda, Kays explains, “Even modern feminists can’t get a grip on Hedda’s motivations and choices, which allow her to remain indefinable, passionate and confounding.”

The cast for “Hedda Gabler” features (role, actor, year, major, hometown):
Hedda: Colleen DeRosa, a junior majoring in theatre and speech communication from Downers Grove
Judge Brack: Nikolas Kmiecik, a senior majoring in musical theatre from West Chicago
Eilert Lovborg: Mark Yacullo (photo, right), a junior majoring in theatre from Naperville
George Tesman: Erik Burke, a senior majoring in theatre from Monroe, Mich.
Mrs. Elvsted: Samantha Hess (photo, right), a senior majoring in musical theatre and theatre from Decatur, Mich.
Miss Julia Tesman: Brianna Perry, a junior majoring in musical theatre from Plainfield
Berta: Amanda Zgonina, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre from Elmhurst

The production team includes (role, student, year, major, hometown):
Assistant director: Caitlyn Woods, a freshman majoring in theatre from Naperville
Assistant technical director: Kelleigh Kuehl, a junior majoring in mathematics from Oswego
Lighting designer: Brad Burkhalter, a junior majoring in theatre from Aurora
Scenic designer: Liz Havenga, a senior majoring in studio art and theatre from Downers Grove
Sound designer: Kate Sanderson, a junior majoring in theatre and management from St. Charles
Costume designer: Briana Tobin, a junior majoring in theatre from Shorewood
Hair/makeup designer & assistant costume designer: Chelsea McGuire, a senior majoring in theatre from Streator
Production stage manager: Katie Fecht, a senior majoring in theatre and human resource management from Toluca, Ill.
Stage manager: Kate Darby, a junior majoring in theatre from Huntley, Ill.
Assistant stage manager: Sean Mohler, a senior majoring in musical theatre and psychology from Machesney Park, Ill.

North Central College offers majors in theatre, theatrical design and technology or musical theatre and a minor in dance. A full range of acting and dance classes is available, as well as opportunities to direct a full-length production. Students of all majors can participate in musical and nonmusical performances, actor showcases and one-act plays and performances in the College’s four theatre venues. Full-time professors and active professionals who are artist-teachers serve as faculty.