CUW Theatre’s spring productions juxtapose death (of a salesman) and new life in Christ.
“Death of a Salesman” run dates
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the debut of an American classic: Death of a Salesman by renowned playwright Arthur Miller. The play features Willy Loman as he wrestles with a loss of identity and his family’s inability or unwillingness to accept changes to their family dynamics. Though Miller concepted the play decades ago, its themes are perhaps more poignant than ever, says Theatre Director Lori Woodall-Schaufler.
“We’ve come a long way, as a society, in our understanding of mental health,” says Woodall-Schaufler. “Willy Loman defines his personal worth through his profession, but once that became stagnant he felt he had lost his purpose. It really emphasizes how, if we define our worth by any other means outside of Christ and who He says we are, we are just utterly lost.”
Concordia’s Theatre Department will bring the American classic to life beginning on Thursday. The Todd Wehr Auditorium will be transformed into an intimate Black Box Theatre configuration. Tickets are now on sale.
Death of a Salesman
April 18-21 | 7:30 p.m.
Todd Wehr Auditorium
Due to the Black Box seating configuration, seating options will be limited.
The student cast will include:
- Caleb Dunst as Willy Loman
- Zion Nelson as Biff Loman
- Josh Bowen as Happy Loman
- Makayla Kabitzke as Linda Loman
- Humberto Barraza as Charley
- Aidan Batiansila as Bernard
- Noah Merz as Ben
- Paige Taylor as The Woman
- Jackson Bowen as Howard Wagner
- Wyatt Michels as Stanley
- Aimee Zarder as Miss Forsythe
- Ryanne Farris as Letta
- Gwendolyn Rogahn as Jenny
- Tirzah Schmickle and Magdalena Horn as Chorus
Gospel of Luke radio series
CUW Theatre also introduced a new series this semester, a set of radio performances that allowed student actors to flex their voice acting skills. Twelve theatre students gathered earlier in the semester to record passages from the Gospel of Luke, specifically chapters 1-21, which highlights the passion of Christ.
The second part is set for release next week. Woodall-Schaufler plans to record new biblical selections in subsequent years.
“They’re a great listen for when you’re in the car on your way to work,” Woodall-Schaufler says. “Even post-Easter, just the fact that we can relish in ‘He is risen!’ is something we never want to take for granted.”
Student voice actors for part one of the radio series include:
- Joshua Barclay
- Noah Merz
- Luke Hahn
- Joshua Bowen
- Ethan Stollenwerk
- Aimee Zarder
- Annika Buck
- Caleb Dunst
- Wyatt Michaels
- Clara Ellis
- Grace Michels
- Jaela Scifo
Children’s theatre
Students in Woodall-Schaufler’s Theatre 254 course recently debuted their class project, a production of The Frog Prince, at Our redeemer Lutheran School in Wauwatosa. Over the course of 15 weeks, students directed, composed music, choreographed, and tended to set and costume details in order to produce the show. In the upcoming days, they will perform for Brown Deer Elementary School, Hmong Peace Academy, and St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Grafton.
Children of CUW employees are invited to attend a special performance of The Frog Prince on campus:
The Frog Prince
Saturday, April 27 | 12 p.m.
Todd Wehr Auditorium
Open to children of CUW employees. Free will offering for admission.
Want in?
The Concordia University Theatre program offers students the opportunity to learn the diverse areas of theatre production: performance, literary, history, design, management, directing, and tech. Students may take a range of theatre courses, participate in plays, assist in management and marketing, engage in drama ministry, intern with local theatre companies, and participate in service projects.