The Show Goes On — The Crescent

By: Honor Tamminga

Photographed by: Maxine Parkin

George Fox University (GFU) Theatre Department returns to the Wood-Mar Auditorium for its upcoming production “Much Ado About Nothing.”

As GFU geared up for Family Weekend, the theatre department looked forward to putting on a production of a William Shakespeare classic. The show was performed on Oct. 21-23 and will continue on Oct. 28-31.

Seniors Lydia Crist and Johnathan Billington as Beatrice and Benedick. Photographed by Maxine Parkin.

The theatre department does a Shakespeare play about once every four years so that every student with a passion for the playwright has a chance to be a part of at least one Shakespearian portrayal during their time at GFU. This year marks four years since the last Shakespeare play put on at GFU.

Rhett Luedtke, the director of this production, said this play “features moments of pain and sadness, but ultimately love and hope triumphs. That type of comedy feels right for a pandemic.”

The theatre department has certainly had to overcome massive challenges these last three semesters due to COVID-19. With creativity and dedication, they were able to carry on and produce plays through digital, radio, and traveling performances. However, this semester the thespians are able to return to Wood-Mar after a 20-month-long hiatus in which no performances were held there.

“Much Ado About Nothing” cast and crew photographed by Maxine Parkin.

Luedtke is excited for this play, and what it will mean for the students, faculty, and families of GFU. “Mostly, I am ready to laugh together with our community,” he said.

The play will certainly be a joy for all who are able to participate in it and watch it. As the performing arts return to the school post-pandemic, the community will be able to enjoy these things together in-person once again.

Later this year the theatre department will also be performing the musical “Godspell” in the winter, and the play “Hijabis” in the spring. Luedtke encouraged all students to join in and watch these three performances: “All three plays are worth coming to, and all students can receive free tickets on Thursday nights. So, don't miss out.”