Student directors choose production

By Adam Lamberts
Special to the Johnsonian

For senior Melissa Frierson, the upcoming play “Beyond Therapy” is a goal set three years ago that is scheduled to come true Oct. 26. Since high school, Frierson enjoyed the work of playwright Christopher Durang, and when she started school at Winthrop she knew that she wanted to direct one of his plays. 

“I knew I wanted to direct a show the minute I found out that I could direct one at Winthrop,” Frierson said. “Since my freshman year I wanted to direct. I love to act, but directing is my real passion.”

Last year, Frierson directed a short one-act play written by Durang called “Wanda’s Visit,” which was a part of a bigger Durang play titled “Durang/Durang”. Through the experience directing “Wanda’s Visit,” Frierson gained the experience and confidence she needed to direct a larger production.

Going into the pre-production process Frierson came in expecting anything; however, she did not expect the small turnout on audition day. Nevertheless, the auditions produced more talent that “Beyond Therapy” could use and put Frierson in the position of having to choose which actors to cast and which actors to turn down.

 Two of the most inspirring actors of the cast that Frierson is glad she didn’t pass up were junior Mary Shockley and sophomore Erik Brower. 

“From day one Mary and Erik have been super-enthusiastic about the show. They have that kind of energy about them that is contagious,” Frierson said. 

The significance Shockley and Brower play in Beyond Therapy goes “beyond” their enthusiasm in rehearsals as they play the roles of two therapists that blur the line between patient and doctor. Therapists Charlotte and Stuart in the play typify what most would consider being quackjob doctors. If it were not stated in the play who the therapists and who the patients were, it would be impossible to tell who was who. Their unfortunate patients – whom the play revolves around – are Bruce and Prudence, respectively played by Joseph Fry and Abagail Olson. 

During the play the audience gets to see into Bruce and Prudence’s lives and the ridiculous circumstances they get themselves into as they search for a companion. 

The message “Beyond Therapy” offers is that everyone regardless of class, race, or sexual preference has issues that cannot be “fixed” through therapy, but can only be learned how to deal with over time. 

Frierson said the unique feature of the play is how its message is delivered in the midst of laughing.

“This comedy has something that will appeal to everyone’s sense of humor,” Frierson said. “There’s a little slapstick humor mixed in with some very funny lines.”

Beyond Therapy is a cultural event that opens on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. in the Studio Theatre located in Johnson, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 30. Tickets are $8 with a Winthrop I.D. and $10 for non-students. Tickets can be reserved and purchased at the box office starting on Monday, October 24. 

Seating is limited in the Studio Theatre, and shows typically sellout, so reserving tickets ahead of time is highly advised.