By NATALIE SACKET
Feature Editor
“Special Guest” was indeed quite a special performance for Northwestern Theater.
Though this performance by Northwestern Theater was only a short 1 Act, approximately 40 minutes, it was filled with great drama, mystery and intrigue. It opened to small, yet enthusiastic, audiences.
Trenton Judd, senior speech/theatre major, directed “Special Guest” as his senior capstone. He and the cast and crew have spent the past few months dedicated to the success of this show. Their efforts were fully worthwhile.
When I entered Herod Hall Auditorium, I was amazed (as always) by the design of the stage and set. I have always been astounded by the abilities of the tech crew at Northwestern Theater. The set of “Special Guest” was no exception. Each piece of furniture, each prop was meticulously selected and arranged. The décor of the stage exemplified to time period of the performance, which was set in the 1960s.
Judd said, “the most challenging part for me was keeping the show within the time frame of the mid-1960s.”
The lighting and audio of the performance was effective and cohesive with the ambiance of the play. I was impressed by the use of practical effects as well.
The use of props was fantastic, with actors eating real food on stage. You may think it’s difficult to eat while having a conversation … imagine eating while delivering your lines in front of a live audience!
The makeup, hair and costuming were all well-chosen and time-period appropriate. Judd, with the assistance of Mickey Jordan, did an outstanding job designing the concepts of the styling, and Alica Hall did a great job as the seamstress.
As far as the performances of the cast, the five actors shared great chemistry on stage. Micah Roberts (Edward Andrews), the narrator and driving force of the plot, balanced strong narration with the quirks of his character’s traits. Michelle Penner (Nora Andrews) and Ken Kelsey (John Andrews), who is an instructor of history and fine arts at Northwestern, worked well together as a pair. The two were believable in their roles as partners in a grumpy middle-aged couple, heartbroken by the passing of their son. Mickey Jordan (Robert Norton) and Taylor Morris (Elaine Madison) brought life and energy to the stage. Jordan portrayed a wide range of his acting talents, mixing drama with comedy. Morris was the highlight of this show for me, fully embracing her classy, intriguing character. She was a forceful character with strong characteristics and energy.
Judd perhaps phrased it best in saying, “The cast was magnificent and I enjoyed every moment that I was able to work with them … My favorite part was being able to work with my close friends and some very talented individuals.”
Judd and his cast and crew were supervised by the always supportive Kimberly Weast, Director of Fine Arts.
Overall, it was a well-done, successful performance. Perhaps most important was the ability of the director, cast and crew to work together to create a truly magical and cohesive performance.
“I truly enjoyed every moment of this production from the first rehearsal to the final curtain call. I am incredibly grateful to the people who helped me along the way,” Judd said.