Theatre and Dance Presents Mainstage Play ‘Everybody’ Sept. 28-Oct. 1

WARRENSBURG, MO – Get ready for innovative and entertaining stage performances as University of Central Missouri (UCM) Theatre and Dance presents the mainstage play, “Everybody,” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins at the James L. Highlander Theatre. The play takes place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28-30, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1. 

A show that deals with mature themes and adult language, “Everybody” is a contemporary take on the  15th-century play “Everyman” that explores the universal experience of mortality. “Everybody” delves into the unknown in a way never before seen on the Highlander stage. Each night, five of the 10 actors will walk on stage oblivious of their role in the show. Early in the play, the role of Everybody, an individual character, will be decided by lottery, thus making each night different than the one before, and representing how death comes for every man. The story follows Everybody as they journey through the greatest mystery – the meaning of life. While facing this daunting fact, the performers also will wrestle with Death, a physical persona of it, that is, and face the fear of their looming demise. Filled with humor, wit and profound insights, the modern play delves into existential questions about life, death and the choices we make along the way. “Everybody” appeals to something in, well, everybody.

When asked about the production, Jenise Cook, the play’s director, stated, “You will want to join us for every performance. The show utilizes a lottery system so there are many different outcomes for our show. Each night will have a different spin on Everybody and showcase a totally different show.” 

During the matinee on Sunday, Oct. 1, UCM Theatre and Dance will present its Pay-What-You-Can performance. Audiences may choose to pay any amount, $1 or above, for a ticket. Additionally, for the Thursday evening performance, ASL interpreters will be provided. New this year, all tickets for UCM Theatre and Dance productions are free for UCM students upon showing their UCM student ID. Tickets are also free for active military, veterans, and military families upon purchasing at the Theatre and Dance Box Office with a military ID.
 
The cast includes: Jen White, Riley Given, Caleb Klaus, Raegan Weber and Paige Showen as the “Somebodies”, Grace’e Carr as Death, Rosalyn Schuster as Usher/God/Understanding, Madison Keep as Friendship/Love, Alannah Trigg as Kinship/Time, Austin Cecil as Cousin/Evil, Molly Jones as Stuff, and Sophie Heathcock as Girl.

The production team includes:  Director, Jenise Cook; Assistant Director, Stephanie Heathcock; Stage Manager, Emily Meehan; Assistant Stage Manager, Joe Devero; Lighting and Sound Design, Aleksandra Combs; Assistant Lighting Design, Braeden Sholes; Scenic Design/Technical Direction, Spencer Musser; Costume, Hair and Makeup Design, Cassie Kay Hoppas; Property Design, Wes Freeman, Light Board Operation, McKenna Sanford; Sound Board Operation, Samuel Fischer; Sound Crew, Raegan Medlock; Publicity/Marketing Director, Dr. Aaron Scully; Social Media Marketing Specialist, Shanna Sinow; Graduate Shop Assistant, Dalima Kapten; Box Office Managers: Finn Juliano and Keyvon Lewis; Office Professional, Lars Jepsen; Office Student Assistants, Shanna Sinow and Grace Clark.

Free parking to attend the performance in the Highlander Theatre is available at the parking lot on Clark Street, directly south of the theatre. Individuals who have questions about the production are asked to please contact Dr. Aaron Scully at ascully@ucmo.edu or call the UCM Theatre and Dance main office at 660-543-4020.

Tickets are available at the UCM Theatre and Dance office in Martin 113 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, by calling 660-543-8811 or online at https://ucmboxoffice.universitytickets.com.  Anyone who has questions about tickets should please call 660-543-8811 or email boxoffice@ucmo.edu.