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Lycoming College closed out its 2020-21 theatre season with two outdoor, in-person performances of Aurand Harris’s “Androcles and the Lion,” April 23-24, 6 p.m., on the Fultz Quad.
In this classic retelling of a story that dates back to the 2nd century, Androcles escapes a life of slavery and flees into the forest to find a lion with thorn in its paw. Androcles removes the thorn and becomes friends with the lion. He later faces the starving lion in an arena, but the lion does not eat him.
The Lycoming production was directed by guest David Leidholdt, producing artistic director at Millbrook Theatre. Mo Ortbal, resident musical director at Millbrook Theatre, served at musical director. The show was produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing company of Woodstock, Ill. Lead actors included:
- Androcles – Kiera Vinson ’22, theatre and French double major
- Pantalone – Gabby Villar ’23, theatre and psychology double major
- Isabella – Abby Greevy ’23, theatre major, music minor
- Lelio – Gabby Mulreaney ’23, theatre major, religion minor
- Captain – Hannah DeFrates ’24, theatre major
- Lion – Haley Millard ’24, undeclared major
- Narrator/Wall/Understudy – Tara Wands ’23, theatre and psychology double major and French minor
Serving as stage manager was Allison Feinstein ’22, theatre major with an education certification. Assistant stage managers included Caleia Hagwood ’21, theatre major and corporate communications minor, and Wands.
“After almost a full year of virtual shows, it was very fulfilling to end the season with an in-person performance,” said Jay Innerarity, associate professor of theatre, head of design and technical theatre at Lycoming College. “Although our outdoor location presented some weather-related challenges, ‘Androcles and the Lion’ was a success and very well-received by our audiences. We look forward to bringing more high-quality entertainment to our community again in the 2021-22 coming season.”
The theatre department at Lycoming College provides theatre majors and non-majors opportunities for practical experience in design and technology, performance, acting, directing, musical theatre, and stage management. As early as freshman year, students are encouraged to audition and become otherwise involved in productions. The curriculum combines practical training in every aspect of theatre with a look back at the history and literature that has shaped theatre as an art form. More information is available at: www.lycoming.edu/theatre.