IC Theatre will present “Coram Boy,” adapted by Helen Edmundson and based on the award-winning children’s novel by Jamila Gavin. Based on historic 18th-century events, “Coram Boy” sheds light on hidden secrets surrounding unwanted pregnancy and the exploitation of children. Performance times are 8 p.m. on March 29 and 31; April 1 and 2, with 2 p.m. matinees offered on Apr. 2 and 3. All performances will be held in the Hoerner Theatre in Dillingham Center.
Ticket prices for “Coram Boy” range from $5.50 to $11 and are on sale at all Ticket Center outlets, including Ticket Center Ithaca on the Commons or at the Dillingham Center box office. Call (607) 273-4497, (607) 274-3224 or visit www.ithacaevents.com. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
The play’s director, Norm Johnson, states, “If we make art in order to better understand the world we inhabit and to offer others a different way of perceiving the world, then this play is perhaps the best example I have encountered in many years.” Throughout the rehearsal process, Johnson has sought to connect the play’s historical events to the current conditions of exploited workers throughout the world. Therefore, Ithaca College Theatre will be selling only “fair trade” items at the lobby’s concessions bar during performances.
Set in England, “Coram Boy” is a story of danger, excitement and passion that interweaves tales of a disinherited son, a young couple torn apart by an unwanted pregnancy, a villainous man who exploits the women of the aristocracy, and two boys in Coram’s Foundling Hospital. “Coram Boy,” is also about a young man’s passion for music, and features the sounds of a classical string quartet and a chorus of 13 Ithaca College Theatre Arts and School of Music students. Audiences will enjoy songs adapted from Handel’s “Messiah,” including the famous ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.
The cast of “Coram Boy” includes Patrick Mazella ’13 as Meshak/Mish; Lindsey Bullen ’11 as Melissa/Angel; Deanalis Resto ’11 as Young Thomas; Ben Fankhauser ’11 as Adult Thomas; Megan Ort ’13 as Young Alexander/Aaron; Max Lorn-Kraus ’12 as Adult Alexander; John Gardner ’12 as Otis Gardiner/ Phillip Gaddarn; Hannah Wenzel ’11 as Mrs. Lynch and Jessica Bennett ’11 as Toby.
Andy Collopy ’11 is the music director and conductor. The design team includes scenic designer Daniel Moss ’11, lighting designer Max Doolittle ’11, costume designer Abbey Steere ’11 and sound designer Ben Truppin-Brown ’11. The show’s technical director is Rachael Hasse ’11 and the production stage manager is Nia Sciarretta ’11. Assistant professor of theatre arts Susan Jonas is the dramaturg.
Dillingham is now newly updated to accommodate all patrons. Individuals with specials needs are asked to contact (607) 274-3224 to request accommodation as soon as possible.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/2011032412004122