Theatre Northwest will perform its version of one of the world’s most widely produced plays, “Same Time, Next Year,” November 8 through November 11th.
“Same Time, Next Year” is set between the 1950s and 1970s and follows the 25-year love affair of George and Doris, who are married to others but secretly meet once a year at the same hotel. “This is not a show that makes people evaluate their life choices and do some soul searching,” Wendy King, the play’s director, said. “It is more of a feel-good show.”
King, a graduate student from Webb City, Missouri, who is studying applied computer science, proposed the production while applying for a director position last year.
“When I applied to direct the show, I had to submit a proposal of what show I wanted to do and my vision for it,” King said. “There have not been a lot of times where students get to direct main stage productions, so I am honored to have this opportunity.”
King’s vision for the play differs from the original.
“Instead of having just two actors play George and Doris, I am having six actors play the couple, so there will be three actors for the character Doris and three actors for the character George,” King said. “While they are playing the same characters they are all kind of different. That way the audience can relate to each one a little more.”
Having six actors play the main characters is not the only unique piece King is incorporating in the play. She is setting the show “in the round,” which means the audience will sit on all four sides of the play.
“The audience will be looking into the hotel room Doris and George meet in and having it set in the round should make them feel like a fly on the wall, watching it happen,” King said. “I want the audience to reflect on what life was like in different situations during this historical time period.”
King also oversees an abundance of behind-the-scenes work. In addition to rehearsals three hours a week, Monday through Friday, she works with costume designers, prop designers, and scenic designers. “One of my favorite parts of being a director is the problem solving,” King said. “There are many things I am responsible for and need to keep track of for the show. Having to manage it all and see everything come together into one cohesive product is exciting.”
“Same Time, Next Year” show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov.8-10 and 2 p.m. Nov. 10-11 in the Studio Theatre at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in the cashiering office on the first floor of the Administration Building, by phone at 660.562.1321, or at the door starting one hour before show time.
Theatre Northwest’s 2018-2019 season continues with “A Spring Evening of One-Acts,” Feb. 8-9, 2019; “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney, Feb. 14-17, 2019; and “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, April 11-14, 2019.
For more information, contact King at [email protected] or 660.562.1321.
