MVNU presents "Don't Take My Penny"
Students, faculty and staff across campus have spent countless hours preparing for tonight — opening night of “Don’t Take My Penny.”
The MVNU theatre department presents “Don’t Take My Penny” on Nov. 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. in Thorne Performance Hall, located in the R. R. Hodges Chapel.
Anne Coulter Martens’ comedy, set in the 1940s, is about a girl named Penny Pringle who believes she is destined to play the role of Dimity West in the new Hollywood picture, “Stars in Her Hair.”
However, Penny’s family and long-term boyfriend have other plans for her.
Assistant Professor of Theatre Ryan Long is excited for students, faculty, staff and community members to join the cast for an evening of fun and laughter.
The fall production, “Don’t Take My Penny,” was picked specifically for the comedic elements, said Long.
“Because we’re doing a heavy dramatic piece in February and light opera in April, we thought a goofy comedy would balance things out well,” said Long.
The cast, composed of 17 MVNU students and faculty, includes freshman Rachel Rinehart as Penny Pringle and sophomore Eddie Dilts as Penny's boyfriend, Kerry.
“Being the lead puts a lot of pressure on my shoulders, but I have great friends who always run lines with me,” Rinehart said. “The cast and crew is fantastic, and the play will have you leaving the theatre with joy in your heart.”
Rinehart encouraged students to come out and enjoy an evening of laughter with friends and family.
“You will quickly fall in love with these characters and love their stories,” Rinehart said. “The play combines comedy, romance and intrigue. Its everything you could want in a theatrical production!”
Dilts is excited for opening night and thankful for the hard work of cast and crew.
“Everyone is very fun and full of energy,” said Dilts. “This cast is capable of taking whatever is thrown at them and making it enjoyable.”
Also on the cast list is Communications professor Dennis Schultz who will play Harrison Day, an author who is traveling the country looking for a young women to fill the role of Dimitry West.
“Don't Take My Penny” features a large student cast, and “it is exciting to interact with so many student actors,” Schultz said.
Senior theatre major Serra Barrett is directing the fall play.
“It's exciting directing a play, but also a lot of pressure!” Barrett said. “I want to make sure that everything goes smoothly so that other students have a chance to direct in the future.”
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. They can be purchased online at theatre.mvnu.edu or at the box office beginning an hour before each performance.
MVNU students also can purchase tickets in the cafeteria lobby during lunch hours or in the communication department offices, located on the second floor of Founders Hall.