By McAye Fegler
The Theatre Department at Chadron State College will perform Ruthless! The Musical from Feb. 27 to March 1 at 7 p.m. and March 2 at 2 p.m. in Memorial Hall’s Black Box Theatre.
Tickets are free and open to the public on the theatre web page csc.edu/academics/theatre/. Reserved seating is encouraged since seats are limited.
Ruthless! The Musical follows ambitious, spotlight-seeking characters on their journeys of becoming stars, according to director of the play and Theatre adjunct faculty member David Craven. All of the characters are focused on themselves and their own successes, which encourages a competitive nature. Craven said the musical will be full of dark comedy, catchy tunes, and outrageous characters. The performance will poke fun at the genre of musical dramedy and is recommended for older children and adults with a film rating of PG.
“I am approaching this as a satirical musical dramedy. It could be played as a farce or a melodrama, but I want the actors to create real characters that have depth, and yet play into the ridiculous circumstances they find themselves in. This is proving to be a fun challenge for each actor, and they get to shine. Almost all of the technical crew are in the show. Everyone in our department is serving double duty, which means we all have a big investment in the production,” Craven said.
Chloe Shatswell of Rapid City, South Dakota, is learning to balance the roles of assistant stage manager and cast member.
“Although I have experience within stage management, I don’t have a lot of experience as an actor which is an exciting new challenge. I am enjoying juggling these two hats during the rehearsal process,” Shatswell said.
Other cast members have commented on the comedic aspect of the production on the CSC Theatre Instagram page.
“This show is a hilarious comedy all about the insane world of fame. The humor is as sharp as a tack and hilarious songs to boot,” Jarret Buchholz of Arnold, Nebraska, said.
Riley Perry of Box Elder, South Dakota, believes audiences should view this production for multiple reasons.
“Ruthless! is a hilarious show filled with lots of fun, laughter, and a chaotic, in a good way, storyline,” Perry said.
Craven recognized retired professor Scott Cavin for his help with the production.
“Our commitment is a reflection of Scott Cavin, who retired last year, and is still a driving force for theatre at Chadron State College, for over 28 years. We have all worked with him and used lessons he taught us as students or peers. He is still advising us through email, and we couldn’t be more thankful,” Craven said.
Cast
Judy Denmark: Isabella Ashley of Rapid City, S.D.
Tina Denmark: Reese Watson of Chadron
Sylvia St Croix: CSC graduate Jarret Buchholz of Arnold, Neb.
Lita Encore: Riley Perry of Box Elder, S.D.
Myrna Thorn: Chloe Shatswell of Rapid City, S.D.
Eve: CSC graduate Halle Smith of Wheatland, Wyo.
Emily Block: Reidun Hammer of Dubois, Wyo.
Louise Lerman: Trista Topil of Lincoln
Production Team
Director/Choreographer: David Craven of Atlanta, Theatre adjunct faculty
Music director/accompanist: Maria Menendez, Music faculty
Production stage manager: Reidun Hammer
Assistant stage manager: Chloe Shatswell
Sound board operator: Atlas Johnson of Laramie, Wyo.
Scenic designer: David Craven
Costume designer: CSC graduate Jen Noonan of Chadron
Lighting designer: Chloe Shatswell
Sound designer: Trista Topil
Backdrop painter: Linda Dabbs of Omaha
Social media manager: Riley Perry
Graphics consultant: Levi O’Dell of Sturgis, S.D.
Scene and costume shop workers: Atlas Johnson, Chloe Shatswell, Isabella Ashely, Reidun Hammer, Riley Perry, Trista Topil