VCU news

The VCU Department of Theatre has been branching out this winter, offering integral contributions to two productions off campus.

Locally, Theatre VCU is collaborating with the Barksdale Theatre on a new production of “Grapes of Wrath,” running from Feb. 12 to March 21 at Barksdale’s Willow Lawn home at 1601 Willow Lawn Drive in Richmond. In addition, a collection of VCU faculty, students and alumni have been heavily involved in the performance of “Peter and the Wolf” at Imagination Stage in Washington, D.C., from Feb. 6 to March 21.

“Grapes of Wrath”

The “Grapes of Wrath” production marks the first time that Theatre VCU has worked with an equity theater on a production. VCU students, faculty and alumni are involved in the production in a variety of roles. The play is part of the Acts of Faith Festival.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, associate professor of theatre, is directing the production. Dennis Williams, an undergraduate student, is the scene designer, and Kenann Modjeska, a graduate student, designed the costumes. A number of students are among the production’s cast.

“Grapes of Wrath” follows the Joad family during their flight from the dust bowl of Oklahoma west to California, their few possessions piled atop a battered truck. The play, which remains true to John Steinbeck’s novel, was the winner of a Tony Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award.

For a performance schedule and to buy tickets, visit http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=22168&event_val=BAR3&schedule=list. Tickets may also be reserved by calling 804-282-2620.

U-Tkts, which are designed to encourage college and university students to attend performances, are available for this production. Tickets through the program cost just $10 each. Student may purchase two U-Tkts to be used by themselves and a guest, who does not have to be a student. A valid student ID must be shown at the box office.

Other ticket prices include $39 for adults, $36 for seniors and $33 for groups of 15 or more.

“Peter and the Wolf”

A total of 12 students, faculty and alumni with VCU connections have made their mark on the “Peter and the Wolf” production, including David Leong, chair of the Department of Theatre at VCU, who is directing the play; Patti D’Beck, a professor of movement and choreography, who provided the choreography; Matt McKay, a current MFA student, who is the assistant director; and  

Three VCU alumni are among the cast. Maggie Marlin and Calvin McCullough play the Bird and the Cat, respectively, and Landon Nagel is the Wolf. A Washington Post review praised each performer, citing Marlin’s ability to “channel Bird’s timidity,” McCullough’s “roguishly slinking Cat” and “the delightful Nagel” who is “obviously having a blast as the teasing, strutting villain.”

Janet Stanford, artistic director of Imagination Stage, praised the production.

“David and his team of designers have come up with some exquisite and imaginative ways of depicting the pond, the tree that Peter and Cat hide in, and – most importantly – Duck in her new ‘home’ after she’s swallowed by Wolf,” Stanford said.

For information about the production, visit http://www.imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/now-playing. “Peter and the Wolf” is recommended for children ages 5 and up.