By Hailey Trimmer
September 24, 2018
Southwest Baptist University Theatre opens their 2018-2019 season with this weekend’s performance of Wit by Margaret Edson. Under the direction of Bethany Vermillion, Wit follows the physical and psychological struggle that comes with battling cancer. This genuine and impactful play is a must-see, and the perfect way to begin this year’s performance season.
Ali Oldweiler plays the lead, Vivian Bearing. Oldweiler’s masterful control of character and emotion allows her to quickly transition between flashbacks, reality, and imagination in a clear and meaningful way. She commands the stage in a way that draws the audience in and allows them to experience the emotional weight of the situation portrayed. Supporting cast members of note include Daniel Stucky (Dr. Jason Posner) and Alyssa Bethards (Suzie Monahan). Both Stucky and Bethards portray their contrasting characters in an honest and genuine way, contributing to the emotional impact of the story and capturing audience attention.
The set, designed by Joel Walley, is simple and elegantly mobile, allowing for a seamless transition between every scene. Costuming by Rebecca Foltz is flawless and utilizes colors that contrast with the set, adding a dimension of aesthetic depth. Lighting effects designed by Kris Hulsey and sound effects by Daniel Stucky combine to simulate medical equipment, adding to the artistic reality of the show. Despite some minor timing issues, the technical aspects of the show are well thought out and positively contribute to the meaningful messages being expressed.
Overall, SBU Theatre’s production of Wit is phenomenal and well worth seeing. The time and energy that the cast and crew has put into this production is apparent both in the performance quality and genuine impact of the show. SBU Theatre’s production of Wit has definitely set the bar high for this year’s theatrical season. We are excited to see SBU Theatre continue to rise to the occasion in the coming academic year.
Wit performances will take place this Thursday (September 27) through Saturday (September 29) at 7pm in the Davis-Newport Theatre. Tickets are available at the box office or online at https://www.sbuniv.edu/campus-life/student-activities/clubs-organizations/theatre.php.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Infuse Student Media or Southwest Baptist University.
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