North Central explores past and present marginalized women in play "Vinegar Tom," May 24-27

Written in 1976 by British playwright Caryl Churchill, "Vinegar Tom" examines gender and power relationships through the lens of 17th century witch trials in England. The play is directed by guest director Carrie Lee Patterson.

Four performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. May 24-26, and at 2 p.m. May 26 and 27, in North Central College's theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/performance.

The musical is an example of epic theatre inspired by legendary German playwright Bertolt Brecht.

Churchill showcases how the trials had little to do with actual magic and curses, and were more about the oppression of marginalized women who did not fit inot the narrow social categories of the patriarchy. Non-conformity, such as not wanting to get married, could be seen as a sign of illness at best or witchcraft at worst.

This musical contains suggestive and explicit themes and language.

Cast (Alphabetical Order):
 
Joan: Sarah Rosenberg ’18, Arlington Heights, Ill., theatre and Spanish double major
Susan: Abigail Schwarz ’20, Riverside, Ill., theatre and neuroscience double major
Alice: Lexii Gravis ’19, Montgomery, Ill., musical theatre and organizational communication double major
Goody: Upasna Barath ’19, Clarksville, Tenn., economics and theatre double major
Betty: Anica Schubert ’21, Beaverton, Ore., musical theatre major
Margery: Sarah Beck ’19, Littleton, Colo., musical theatre major
Ellen: Samantha Lambert ’21, Plainfield, Ill., musical theatre major
Jack: Caleb Swick ’21, Wilmington, Ill., musical theatre major
Man, Doctor, Bellringer, Packer: Giuliano Catalano ’20, English and secondary education double major
Kramer: Lambert
Sprenger: Rosenberg
 
Outer Play:

Katie Rose Ford ’21, Bolingbrook, Ill., musical theatre major
Danielle James ’21, Sun Prairie, Wis., musical theatre major
Samantha Kamman ’18, Downers Grove, Ill., theatre major
Maria Clara Ospina ’21, Medellin, Colombia, musical theatre and global studies major
Shelby Slager ’20, Elgin, Ill., theatre major
Alexandra Strohbach ’20, Cedarburg, Wis., musical theatre major
Hannah Vestal ’20, Monmouth, Ill., theatre major
 
Production Team:
 
Director: Carrie Lee Patterson, visiting director
Dramaturg: John Warrick, associate professor of theatre
Stage Manager and Scenic Designer: Elizabeth Joy Miller ’19, Godfrey, Ill., theatre and theatrical design double major
Assistant Stage Manager: Grace Vestuto ’21, Kildeer, Ill., organizational communication and English double major
Technical Director: Peter O’Neill, theatre department
Lighting Designer: Will Coeur, assistant professor of theatre
Sound Designer: Rick Peeples, visiting sound designer
Costume Designer: Caitlin O’Brien ’18, Naperville, Ill., theatre major
Assistant Costume Designer: Alex Deane ’18, Chicago, theatre major
Hair and Makeup Designer: Katie Tumavich ’19, Glen Ellyn, Ill., theatrical design and technology major
Props Designer: Jack Hayward ’20, Plainfield, Ill., interactive media studies major
Publicity: Christian Orsos ’20, Lima, Peru, finance major
Dialect Coach: Barbara Zahora, visiting assistant professor of theatre at Roosevelt University
Fight/Intimacy Choreographer: Gaby Labotka, visiting actor and choreographer
 
Crew:
 
Deck Chief: Victor Rodriquez ’21, Aurora, Ill., theatre major
Prop Run Crew Head: Jane Hoshell ’21, Naperville, Ill., musical theatre major
Light Board Op./Programmer: Stacey Adams ’18, Joliet, Ill., theatre and musical theatre double major
Lighting Crew: Mikayla Detwiler ’21, Warrenville, Ill., Spanish and education double major
Costume Crew Head: Brooke Michalik ’18, Plainfield, Ill., musical theatre major
Costume Crew: Elizabeth Rodriguez ’21, Elmwood Park, Ill., elementary education and musical theatre double major
Hair/Makeup Crew Head: Gabriella Rago ’20, Bensenville, Ill., musical theatre major

North Central College offers majors in theatre, musical theatre, theatrical design and technology, and a minor in dance. 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.

These upcoming events are among many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues accommodating a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public. For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and lectures, visit northcentralcollege.edu/performance or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).