The Department of Theatre will be performing the play “Angel Street” April 19-21.
Ben Jones, associate professor of theatre and director of “Angel Street,” said the thriller is set in Victorian era London, England, and focuses on the conflict between reality and perception. Jones said he chose the play because it would allow theater students to perform in a genre different than usual and create an opportunity for the play to resonate with the audience on a meaningful level.
“You’re left at the end fearing for the sanity of one (character) and the life of one (character) and just kind of worrying about what’s really going on here, what’s real and what’s in your head,” Jones said.
Sophomore James Tyler Adams, who plays Inspector Rough, said he enjoys growing with the small cast of performers for “Angel Street” and working on his acting skills by taking on a much older character. Adams said that “Angel Street” has a darker message than most of the plays he has acted in and hopes the audience will be entertained by the show when they leave.
“If dealt with the right humor, if dealt with the right emotion and intentionality, something so dark can still come off as positive and can still have a hopeful twist at the end of it,” Adams said.
Jones said costumes for the play will be designed according to the Victorian era, but the set design will specifically reflect the uneasy nature of the household.
“It will feel like one of the characters, who you kind of question their … state of mind … at any point in time the audience may fear that that character may stumble off the stage and fall into oblivion,” Jones said.
Sophmore Kendalyn Pierson, who plays Nancy, said she auditioned for “Angel Street” to step out of her comfort zone and grow herself as an actress while gaining experience in a different genre. Pierson said she hopes the play will entertain while shining a light on situations that the audience can personally relate to.
“’Angel Street’ is a thriller that will keep audiences at the edge of their seats the entire show,” Pierson said. “It’s full of plot twists and fun characters, and our set and costumes are fantastic.”
“Angel Street” will be performed in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center April 19-21. Shows start at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 or free with a CAB pass and can be purchased online at hardingtickets.com or at the box office.
