All the hard work finally paid off–and it really showed.
Thursday night’s opening of Terra Nova brought the long awaited production out in the open to a very enthusiastic crowd. This dramatic presentation evolved from the journals found on the frozen body of Captain Robert Scott, a British explorer who attempted to be the first to reach the South Pole.
Although Scott and his men did make it to the pole, they were just days behind a Norwegian team. The decision not to use sled dogs on the treacherous terrain played havoc on the crew, finally wearing down their strength and ultimately their lives.
Jeff Elwell, director of Terra Nova, presents and interprets the play wonderfully. The slide show and use of all theatre space makes this production a real event.
The scene opens with Captain Scott, played superbly by Mississippi State University stage veteran John Brocato, as he lies at the end of his journey writing the last entry in his journal. From there, the play uses flashbacks to life with Kathleen, his wife, and to the more than 140 days of the expedition to tell the story of Scott and his team.
The slide show and use of all theater makes this production a real event. The play gives many uplifting moments between the two characters. Kathleen, played by Myna Dickers, is shown molding clay when she officially encounters Scott one-to-one. It is a very strong scene that shows the stature of both Kathleen and Scott.
The character of Amundsen, played wonderfully by veteran stage member Daniel Sadler, appears to Scott almost as an alter ego. Amundsen leads the Norwegian team that precedes the Captain to the pole.
The four-man crew that accompanies Scott on the voyage really brings about the core of the play. From strife and grief to conflict between men and obtaining goals, the crew shows what the play is really made of.
The team consists of Robbie Grider, Swinton Walters, Stephen Cunetto and Andy Bolyen who play Wilson, Evans, Bowers, and Oates.
Other aspects of the play are just as stunning. Set design by Wayne Durst is superb as is the costume design by Jo Durst. The duo is together once again to create a very believable representation of what life at that time was like.
To round it all out, stage manager Susan Sims makes everything run very smoothly. All together, this is one MŠU presentation not to be missed. Other presentations of Terra Nova will be tonight, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in Lee Hall Auditorium.
