The Bert C. Bach Theatre is kicking off its 25-year long awaited opening with the comedy “Men on Boats.”
The play will take place at none other than the Bach Theatre in the Martin Center for the Arts, starting on Nov. 18. Cara Harker, the director, shared her excitement for the upcoming production.
“It is thrilling to have ‘Men on Boats’ as our very first live theatrical production in the Bert C. Bach Theatre,” said Harker. “While ‘Men on Boats’ has been a consideration for our Theatre and Dance program for many years, we knew that this season, the timing was finally right — thanks to our brand-new black box theatre where we can configure the audience’s viewing perspective in a variety of ways.”
“Men on Boats” is designed to be performed by different members of society such as: racially diverse actors who are female-identifying, trans-identifying, gender fluid and/or non-gender conforming, according to the writer of the play, Jaclyn Backhaus.
“‘Men on Boats’ seeks to offer a performance experience for actors who don’t typically get the opportunity to play these kinds of characters,” Harker said.
Harker says that casting the show and working with the group of performers has been incredible and a joy. She appreciated their points of view and how they add depth and meaning to the production. She showed gratitude to her student performers and designers.
“In addition to student performers, I’ve had the good fortune of working with two student designers on the show, Caroline Daniels, assistant lighting designer, and Sarah Slagle, costume designer, Beth Skinner, costume shop supervisor,” said Harker.
Slagle, the costumer designer, says that she “pulled inspiration from the Grand Canyon” to create the perfect costume theme for the production. The costume theme includes a mixture of men’s and women’s attire from the 1860s, but with her own twists to a few items of clothing.
Harker explains how she is very enthusiastic about the upcoming show, and how live theatre is finally coming back safely again.
“It has been such a long time since we’ve had the opportunity to create live theatre, and the Department of Theatre and Dance’s excitement for the inaugural production in the Bert C. Bach Theatre is immeasurable,” Harker said.
The Bach Theatre sees the entire week of Nov. 18-21 as their grand opening week. There will be live performances on those dates, and a live streaming option will also be available on the Nov. 19 performance for everyone to enjoy the production safely.
