A Theatre MSU cast consisting largely of fresh faces is finishing rehearsals for “The Miser,” an 18th century comedy by Moliere.
They will perform the play Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the McComas Hall Theatre. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
The play will mark the first major production for several cast members. Only three of 13 members are veterans of the group.
Senior theater major Christina Kinney said she is looking forward to opening night on Thursday. She said after the hard work the cast has put into the play the last two months, it will be rewarding to finally perform in front of a live audience.
“We’ve really been pushing to bring everything in the show together. Now I’m just ready to show that hard work off to the Starkville community,” Kinney said. “I think it will be a great show that everyone will enjoy.”
Senior theater major and assistant director Sam Hamburg said the number of new faces in the play is atypical of a Theatre MSU cast. He said he has enjoyed working with the rookies, however.
“But the new students in the program are very talented and intelligent,” Hamburg said. “They pick up on things quickly.”
Hamburg added that it’s exciting to have new faces among the cast because they will contribute to State’s theater program for years to come.
The play’s cast described the show as a fun, lighted-hearted comedy with soap opera elements. The story revolves around young lovers and their attempt to be together despite status, money and an occasional intervening character. Although “The Miser” was written in the 1700s, director Jo Durst has added modern elements.
“Our director has done a great job at selecting some really neat music to add some entertaining dimensions to the show,” Kinney said. “The audience will hear some ’20s jazz and even some music from the musical Chicago. All around it’s a very entertaining, colorful, fun show.”
Despite all the fun, some senior cast members feel that a certain chapter is closing with their last show at State.
Senior theater major James Eison will perform his last main stage performance this week. And although he is excited about the performance, he said he also feels a sense of closure.
“Since I was a freshman, I’ve been involved with each main stage show in some way. I’m looking forward to this week, but it’s sad in a way,” Eison said. “I’ve been humbled to work with this group of people and feel confident they will add to the program in the future.”
Although this is Christina Kinney’s first main stage production at State, she said that she has had a great time. She added that this experience has helped her grow as an actress.
“I’ve had fun during this production. I’ve enjoyed the costumes, the cast and just being on stage in such an amazing theater. It’s been an honor,” Kinney said.