Freed-Hardeman University Theatre will offer two productions this month with “Alabama Rain” and “Eurydice” beginning Tuesday, April 18 through Sunday, April 23, 2023, in the Black Box Theatre. Seating is limited for general admission tickets, which are $12, and can be purchased at http://www.fhutickets.com.
FHU Director of Theatre Cliff Thompson said the two shows were paired because they both involve water, which represents different things to the characters. “Eurydice” is a beautiful poetic retelling of the Orpheus myth while “Alabama Rain” is a Southern gothic story. The play is beautiful, a little dark, but also funny.”
Student-directors Sarah Bowen and Landon Rydl are putting the finishing touches on their shows as part of their Capstone senior project. Bowen is the director of “Alabama Rain” while Rydl is the director of “Eurydice.” Rydl, of Seffner, Florida, describes “Eurydice” as an “Alice in Wonderland”-like take on the underworld, and it’s weird and it’s just how it is,” Rydl said. “I loved working with everyone in the cast, I know what I want it to look like, but we collaborated and made things so much better.”
Bowen, of Decatur, Alabama, said the directing experience helped her become a better leader. “Leadership doesn’t mean dictatorship, it takes good communication to gain respect,” she said. “Alabama Rain” is about five sisters living in a small town in Alabama where it has not rained for nearly 40 years. As one of three sisters, when Bowen read the material she made a connection.
“Rarely does a capstone fit the director as much as it fits me,” she said. “I’m from Alabama and I have two sisters. The play shows the sisters’ struggle with living in a stagnant state of life while grappling with the idea of letting go of the past. This show is a beacon of light and hope for anyone who feels trapped by tradition and ways of living that aren’t conducive to growth. Breaking generational curses is possible, but it starts within us. We are the hope of our future.”
The cast of “Alabama Rain” includes Collett Heenan, Marla Record, Dailey Reitmair, Ashlyn Chandler, MK Miller and Luke Noles as stage manager. Cast members of “Eurydice” include Luke Gibbs, Jack Terry, Haley Hixson, Courtney Willcut, Jessica Errico, Hannah Sherwin, Seth Wilson and Kaylee Sexson as stage manager.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associates, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
