North Central College Presents Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “The Flick” April 19-22

North Central College presents “The Flick,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that follows three underpaid ushers at a small movie theatre in Massachusetts. Written by Annie Baker, this production will be directed by Carin Silkaitis, associate professor of theatre.

Five performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. April 19-21, and at 2 p.m. April 21-22, in North Central’s Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/performance.

“The Flick” explores the intricacies of days spent sweeping up popcorn. The audience follows the coworkers as they spend their time in the cramped theatre, and sees them face subtle challenges and their complex, evolving relationships.

When “The Flick” first premiered in New York and Chicago, the long run time of the play set it apart. Baker uses the length to explore the minutia of daily life, employing awkward silences and the routine work of menial jobs to develop rich and rewarding characters.

“‘The Flick’ teaches students how to be silent on stage,” said Silkaitis. “It’s a challenge for any performer, but especially younger ones.”

Despite the small cast and setting, Baker’s personal understanding of the characters reveals the complex problems of race, class, gender, sex and age in America.

“I love the long run time,” said Silkaitis. “It lets the audience stop rushing and really think about the slow moments of life that define us.”

Cast (role, name, town, year, major):

Skylar/The Dreaming Man: Nicholas Baumgartner, Romeoville, Ill., a sophomore majoring in theatre

Rose: Jordan DePhillips, Plainfield, Ill., a senior majoring in musical theatre and marketing

Sam: Daniel Ackman, Romeoville, Ill., a freshman majoring in music education

Avery: Tommie Hope, Chicago, Ill., a freshman majoring in journalism

Understudy Cast:

Rose: Claire Nelson, Chicago, Ill., a freshman majoring in theatre and organizational communication

Sam: Christopher Duffy, Morris, Ill., a freshman majoring in organizational communication

Avery: Kenneth Miller, Montgomery, Ill., a freshman majoring in theatrical design and technology and musical theatre

Production Team:

Director: Carin Silkatis, associate professor of theatre and theatre program coordinator

Assistant Director: Reagan Quynn, a senior majoring in political science, theatrical design, and psychology

Stage Manager: Tommy Varela, Ketchikan, Alaska, a junior majoring in theatrical design & technology

Assistant Stage Manager: Samantha Loveland, Montgomery, Ill., a junior majoring in English and organizational communication

Scenic Designer: Ruby Lowe, Aurora, Ill., a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology

Assistant Scenic Designer: Destany Hahn, Lisle, Ill., a freshman majoring in theatrical design and technology

Technical Director: Peter O'Neill, technical director, theatre department

Props Designer: Josh Dennison, Naperville, Il., a senior majoring in musical theatre

Light Designer: Ruby Lowe, Aurora, Ill., a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology

Assistant Light Designer: Naomi Lares, Plainfield, Ill., a freshman majoring in neuroscience

Assistant Sound Designer: Greg Johnson, a 2016 graduate in theatrical design and technology

Costume Designer: Sully Ratke, visiting assistant professor of theatre

Assistant Costume Designer: Alex Dean , Chicago, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre and C.J. Chezem

Hair/Makeup Designer: C.J. Chezem, Warrenville, Ill., a junior majoring in theatrical design and technology

Dramaturg: Dave Peterson, visiting assistant professor of theatre

Publicity: Katie White, Galena, Ill., a freshman majoring in jazz studies and theatre

Deck Chief: Tyler Meyers, Elmwood, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre and organizational communication

Run Crew: Carter Sherman, Kansas City, Mo., a junior majoring in musical theatre

Run Crew: Jessica Blakely, St. Charles, Ill., a junior majoring in environmental science and musical theatre

Prop Run Crew Head: Kira Savegnago, Wheaton, Ill., a sophomore majoring in musical theatre  

Light Board Op./Programmer: Marissa Olivaria, Chicago, Ill., a sophomore majoring in musical theatre

Lighting Crew: Abe Lyall, Chicago, Ill., a junior majoring in broadcast communication

Sound Crew: Nico Salazar, Racine, Wis., a junior majoring in psychology and musical theatre

Sound Board Operator: Erin Huggins, Aurora, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre and organizational communication

Costume Crew Head: Stephanie Milroy, Marysville, Ohio, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre

Hair/Make-up Crew Head: Gabrielle Rago, Bensenville, Ill., a sophomore majoring in musical theatre