Performances of Ithaca College Theatre's production of The Exonerated will be held in the Clark Theatre at Dillingham Center at 8:00 p.m. on October 7 and 9–11, with 2:00 p.m. matinees offered October 11 and 12. Tickets range from $4.50 to $10.00.
In 2000, playwrights Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen traveled the United States to document the stories of 40 people wrongly convicted of odious crimes and later released from death row. The Exonerated is the result of Blank and Jensen's research. The play focuses on six of these exonerated Americans as they recount their arrests and trials, reveal shocking and disturbing events from their time on death row, and come to terms with their newfound freedom.
The director of The Exonerated is Cynthia Henderson, associate professor of theater arts at Ithaca College. Henderson aims not only to entertain people but also to speak to their conscience. "I see The Exonerated as a form of theater for social change," Henderson said. "Upon leaving the theater, I would like the audience to be outraged, but outraged in such a way that they are motivated to do something about the flawed [judicial] system."
The Exonerated will run approximately 90 minutes without an intermission. Because of its thematic content, this play is intended for mature audiences. Tickets for The Exonerated range from $4.50 to $10.00, and may be purchased from the Ithaca College Theatre ticket office in Dillingham Center or by calling 607-274-3224. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ticket Center at 607-273-4497 or online at www.ithacaevents.com.
The cast of The Exonerated includes Max Lawrence '09, Mariah Ciangola '09, Thaddeus McCants '10, Jaylene Clark '10, Alex Krasser '09, Tyler Gardella '10, Jeremy Reese '09, Kacie McEgan '09, Jeff Crosley '09, Clint Hromsco '09, Nicole Intravia '09, Deanalis Resto '11, John X. Miller '09, and Matt Gall '09.
The design panel includes costume designer Kelly McCaffrey '09, scenic designer Keeley Dowart '10, lighting designer Christine Goldman '10, sound designer Chris Shendge '10, and technical director Joe DiFonzo '10. The stage manager is Victoria Sheehan '09 and the dramaturge is Crystal Clark '09.
A nationally recognized professional theater training program, the Department of Theatre Arts attracts students from across the United States. Through Ithaca College Theatre and the production season, undergraduate students present all aspects of theater in a professional model. Ithaca College Theatre has been a cultural resource for Tompkins County and the region for more than 70 years.
