“On the Verge” continues

The drama department’s production of “On The Verge or The Geography of Yearning,” their first presentation for the Fall ‘99 season, continues this weekend in the Playwright’s Theatre.

Directed by Juanita Rice, the play runs Oct. 21 through Oct. 24.

Written in 1984 by Eric Overmyer, the comedy has been performed repeatedly over the years.

It is a little known play that has become a perennial favorite, says Rice.

She originally suggested the script last year, but at that time the script did not fit with the department’s already scheduled events. Now, this year, it is the lead performance.

The play is described as “A ‘mirthful safari’ in the Terra Incognita of time and imagination.”

Simply put, the play depicts three of history’s female geographical explorers as they embark on their journeys. Not only do we see them through their journeys, but we see them also as they travel through time.

Rice was originally drawn to the script because of the subject matter. It celebrates imagination, she said. As she began researching these great explorers of the Victorian era, Rice was impressed by the vast number of women explorers. They ventured out into the unknown with a spirit not often seen, especially in a time when women were so restricted in their behavior.

The play stars only four actors. The three main parts are played by Janay Lovering, Katie Summy and Michelle Wilhelmsen. The fourth part, really several characters interspersed throughout the play, is done by Jason Rossow.

Students also are responsible for many of the production positions, including: lighting, sound and set design, as well as the stage manager position. It truly is a student run play, says Rice.

Ticket prices are $10 general, $7 for students and $6 for groups. Curtain times are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.