With the season’s theme being “Freedom,” State University Theatre and Dance’s first production of the year opens this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with “Fuddy Meers.”
“Fuddy Meers” follows an amnesiac, Claire, who is abducted by a man who claims her husband wants to kill her.
Kennedy Foster, a sophomore journalism major and cast member, said, “I would describe ‘Fuddy Meers’ as riding a roller coaster with a blindfold on. The show is a combination of wild ups and downs and twists and turns that will leave the audience feeling bewildered.”
The director, Jim Wood, has been directing for State University Theatre for the past 13 years.
“My favorite moment [in the play] is when we stop the insanity and are exposed to the true cost of the pain inflicted on these characters.”
When asked why he chose to direct this play, Wood said, “I use this play in the Play Analysis course and the students seemed to be pretty excited about the script. It presents some fun acting challenges and offers some great opportunity to express artistic range – one minute we are laughing and the next we are crying at the desperation of the characters.”
Jacob Stevens, a junior theatre and communication studies major, describes the show as surprising, humorous, and ridiculous.
“It’s a comedy that emphasizes the importance of family and truth.”
When asked what his favorite part of theatre is, Stevens said, “That it gives me a space to be creative and completely vulnerable.”
Wood encourages people to come to see “Fuddy Meers” because he believes people should see as much theatre as they can.
“[People] can use it as a lens through which they can see themselves.” Wood said.
“Fuddy Meers” contains live gunfire and has depictions of domestic abuse, violence, and drug use.
The performance dates are Oct. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Oscar Larson Theatre.
Students can attend free of charge when showing a valid student ID at the box office.