The Susquehanna University Department of Theatre is getting ready to perform ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ by Rupert Holmes and the best part is two local students are playing big-time roles in bringing it to life!
Mifflintown’s Mackenzie Acquaviva is serving as Production Stage Manager. Mackenzie is a senior Theatre Production major with an Arts Administration minor. She has been on the stage management team for nine main-stage productions at Susquehanna University. “In addition to my stage management roles, I serve as the Patron Services supervisor for the Theatre department overseeing the actives of the box office, house management and publicity efforts as well as an electrics technician,” she says. Despite being a driving force off the stage, she’s been able to find time to get on the stage, as well. “I have performed in four second-stage productions, soon to be five come December. The Mystery of Edwin Drood will be my final bow on the Susquehanna University main-stage before graduating this December, after being involved in varying degrees since my first semester.”
Isaac Austin, from McAlisterville, will star as Bazzard/Waiter/Mr. Phillip Bax. Isaac is a junior Sports Media and Theatre Performance double major. He previously performed in the main-stage musical ‘110 in the Shade, ‘ as well as three one-act productions at Susquehanna University. A member of our Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honors Society (Theta Phi Chapter), Isaac, was in ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ in 7th grade, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in 8th grade, ‘Annie’ in 9th grade and ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ in 10th grade while at East Juniata. “The Sound of Music was going to be my 11th grade year but was cancelled due to Covid. There was no show in my senior year,” he added.
As for the ‘Drood’ show, “I have a full plate. I will be playing an actor named Mr. Bax who is playing the roles of Bax and the Waiter,” he says. Isaac says “Drood’ is unlike most plays. “What makes this show so special is that it breaks the fourth wall in more than one way. I do not want to give too much away, but this show does something that has truly never been done any time before.”
Performances of ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ are open to the public and will be held November 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.and November 12 at 2:30. Admission prices are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and non-SU students.
Tickets may be purchased via the box office, located in the Degenstein Campus Center Theatre lobby from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays. You can also call (570) 372-ARTS or by clicking here. The box office will also open one hour prior to each performance.
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