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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (March 25, 2013) — The Milligan College theater department’s production of “The Odyssey” is an epic collaboration of talented Milligan students and local artists who retell the ageless story in a fresh way.
Performances will be April 11-13 at 7:30 p.m., and April 14, at 2:30 p.m., in Milligan’s McGlothlin-Street Theatre of the Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. All tickets are $5.
In addition, there will be a free matinee performance on Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m., for area school children and homeschoolers.
“This is a play I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and it seems like all the pieces have come together in a creative way to make the production a reality,” said Director Richard Major.
The collaboration between local artists and Milligan talent affect almost every area of the production, ranging from the casting to the choreography.
Colin Blowers, a Milligan senior from Elizabethton, Tenn., plays the role of Odysseus.
Blowers, a political science and humanities major, is no stranger to the Milligan stage; he has performed leading roles in several Milligan productions including a stint as Snoopy in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” However, “The Odyssey” will be especially memorable for him because he’ll be performing alongside his father, Dr. Paul Blowers.
Paul, who portrays the Old Poet/Beggar, teaches church history at Emmanuel Christian Seminary. A 1977 Milligan graduate, he is a longtime friend of Major, and the two have collaborated on theatrical work since the mid-70s.
“When I decided to do this play, Paul was the first person I thought of to play the Poet,” Major said. “When it came to casting the role of Odysseus, Colin Blowers also was a perfect fit for the role.
“What I love about this is the opportunity for a father and son to work together on a project that means a great deal to both of them,” he added. “Also, this production will be the first time Dr. Blowers has graced the stage in the Gregory Center and will be the last production his son will perform in before he graduates.”
In addition to the talented cast, Major is excited about the technical aspects of the production. Costume, lighting and scenic designs are by Milligan’s Pamela Adolphi.
Brad Eastridge, an independent composer and Milligan alumnus, wrote the score.
Miriam Perkins, a Milligan alumna and Emmanuel professor, choreographed the show. She has danced, performed and choreographed works over the past 20 years with the regional modern dance company Mountain Movers, in partnership with the dance program at East Tennessee State University.
“The beautiful chic and sleek designs by Pamela Adolphi add a colorful splash to the show, and the haunting music created by Brad Eastridge will certainly strike an inner chord with the patrons who will see the show,” Major said. “Add in Miriam Perkins’ styled movement patterns, and what you have is something that is a fresh approach to a timeless story that the whole family can enjoy together.”
The family-friendly production runs approximately 70 minutes without an intermission. Tickets go on sale April 1 in the Milligan Bookstore. To purchase tickets, visit the bookstore, open Monday through Friday, or call 423.461.8733. Tickets will be available at the box office 30 minutes prior to each performance (until sold out).
(Please note: Due to schedule conflicts, a performance originally advertised for Saturday, April 13, at 2:30 p.m., has been cancelled.)
To learn more about arts events at Milligan, visit www.milligan.edu/arts.