SCC's American Theatre Festival performances to include 'The Zoo Story,' 'The Meeting' and 'The Grapes of Wrath'

Published: 09/12/2013

The American Theatre Festival is presented by SCC’s History, English and Theater departments. The festival seeks to enhance historical literacy by bringing to the stage theatrical productions that illuminate the history, culture and dramatic literature of the United States.

“The Zoo Story,” Sept. 18-22

Two strangers engage in a conversation in New York City’s Central Park. As the dialogue escalates, the audience witnesses a clash of two individuals and the radically different worldviews they represent. Edward Albee’s “The Zoo Story” explores the nature of isolation and miscommunication and reveals how a seemingly mundane situation can lead to a shocking confrontation. The production will be directed by Peter Banholzer. Cast members include Sean Green of St. Charles as Jerry and Joel Jennings of St. Charles as Peter.

“The Meeting” Sept. 18-22

Set in the mid ‘60s, this play is an imaginary meeting between civil rights activists Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in a Harlem hotel where they debate and defend their views on the struggle for freedom for African-Americans. Jeff Stetson’s “The Meeting” captures the courage of two men willing to die for their beliefs. Tracy Bono will direct the production. Cast members include Ronnie Banks of St. Louis, Ethan Jones of Florissant, Rennell Parker of Florissant, Antonio Spears of Bellefontaine and Selena Steed of Wentzville.

“The Grapes of Wrath” Oct. 2-6

Based on the novel by John Steinbeck, adapted by Frank Galati and directed by SCC emeritus faculty member Hal Berry, the Tony Award winning “The Grapes of Wrath” tells the story of the Joad family during the Great Depression of the 1930s. They and millions of Americans struggled to survive the national crisis. Steinbeck’s message is that of universal oneness. The story is told with music of the Depression’s famous folk artist, Woody Guthrie, vivid and contrasting lighting, and an ensemble dramatizing the movement of hundreds of thousands west to find a better life in California. The show was originally produced on the Broadway Stage by the Shubert Organization, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Suntory International Corporation and Jujamcyn Theatres Corporation.

SCC welcomes professional guitarist, Tim Mauldin, to the show. Mauldin is originally from St. Charles, and currently plays for Christian country singer Steve Richard.

Principal cast members include Karl Beetz of St. Charles, Santino Bono of St. Charles, Tracy Bono of St. Charles, Kyle Gnau of St. Peters, Mike Harrison of St. Charles, Timothy Harrison of St. Charles, Hayden Hays of O’Fallon, Austin Hill of St. Charles, Courtney Hooker of St. Peters, Dennis Mahlin of St. Charles, Mike McPartland of St. Peters, Jakeb Jerome Reynolds of St. Charles, Bailey Rough of O’Fallon, Tricia Wallace of St. Charles, Macey Walukonis of St. Charles, Janelle Wilger of St. Charles and Vera Verhine of St. Charles.

The supporting ensemble will include Patrick Blanner of Glencoe, Brian Boyer of O’Fallon, Grace Boyer of O’Fallon, Nate Boyer of O’Fallon, Janice Growacki of Dardenne Prairie, Colin Harrison of O’Fallon, Chelsea Kaufman of St. Charles, Christine Newport of Hazelwood, Crissy Raines of O’Fallon, Charlie Rosser of St. Peters, Sophie Rosser of St. Peters, Lily Thomas of St. Charles, Aaron Walker of St. Charles and Destiny Willenauer of St. Peters. 

For a list of show times or to purchase tickets for $5-$8, visit www.stchastickets.com or call the SCC Box Office at 636-922-8050. For more information on SCC’s American Theatre Festival, visit www.stchas.edu/americantheatrefest. For accommodations information, e-mail accessibilityservice@stchas.edu.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.