After two years of Covid-19 restrictions, theater is back at McGuire Hall! Thanks to the efforts of the recently-formed SXU Drama Club a new group of talented performers and stage crew are working to produce and perform more shows after last week’s The Great Gatsby.
Adapted from F. Scott Flitzgerald’s classic novel, the play follows Nick Carroway’s narration of Jay Gatsby’s extravagant life and tragic fall. The play tightly adapts the novel’s most memorable scenes.
At the performance, seats were filled with both family members and faculty. There was clear excitement and enthusiasm from attendees and actors. At the show, snacks were served, and a raffle was held.
“It’s wonderful,” said Cyndi Grobmeier, professor of communications at SXU and faculty advisor for SXU Drama. “The students have done an amazing job. All of them have worked so hard on this during the semester. It’s so great to see theater back at McGuire Hall.”
As a primarily freshman-produced show, The Great Gatsby’s cast and crew is a mix of both theater veterans and newcomers. Jack Morgan, an ensemble actor in the show and a sophomore, told the Xavierite:
“It’s nice to be returning to theater. I’m glad to be back on stage. The whole show was made possible with freshman and sophomore efforts. Our last planned play was a parody of 12 Angry Men, but it was canceled due to Covid.”
Speaking on the development of the show, stage manager Ellie Anderson said: “Speaking as stage manager, I’ve seen the sets and props improve. We’ve got a good mix of actors. Some are new actors and others are returning actors.”
The script, casting, and fundraising for the show was a semester-long task. Despite some difficulties with cast changes and the obvious Covid restrictions, the production was able to come to fruition.
“The whole experience has been interesting,” said actress Guiliana Islas. “Everyone has worked so hard. The other actors are fantastic storytellers as well as performers. It’s great to see the audience’s response.”
According to SXU Drama’s president Myah Bawadi, there’s more to look forward to next year.
“We’ve got more productions planned for next year,” said Bawadi. “We’re looking over ideas. We’re looking over books to adapt.”
While more book adaptations like The Great Gatsby, are being considered, students are working on their own original scripts for future productions. While the cast and crew couldn’t give any specific details on plans for future productions, Nuala Hanlon, actress and treasurer for SXU Drama, told the Xavierite that SXU Drama is playing around with improv ideas.
“It was an honor to work with such a talented cast,” said Hanlon. “We’ve got some students working on their own plays this summer. Improv will also play a bigger role in future productions.”
Despite the challenges, SXU Drama is off to a great start. It was great to see The Great Gatsby finally come to the stage, and I’m very excited to see what SXU Drama has planned for next year. The club is working with a very talented cast and crew that will continue to grow and put out great work.