SMSU Theatre to Present 46 PLAYS FOR AMERICA'S FIRST LADIES

Published Thursday, October 17, 2024

46 Plays for America's First Ladies, title graphic

In keeping with this election season, SMSU Theatre’s fall production is 46 Plays for America’s First Ladies by Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Sharon Greene, Chloe Johnston, Bilal Dardai and Andy Bayiates. Performances are October 30 through November 2 at 7:30 pm and November 3 at 2 pm in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets are $10 and will be available only at the door. Seating is first-come, first-served. Admission is free for SMSU employees and students with valid ID. Free and convenient parking is available in SMSU Lot B-1.

46 Plays for America’s First Ladies leaps from comic to tragic as it surveys the lives of the women who have served (and avoided serving) as First Lady, from Martha Washington to Jill Biden. The show is a biographical, meta-theatrical, genre-bending ride through race, gender, and everything else your teacher never taught you about the history of America. This show contains adult language, sharp satire, and mentions of difficult subjects, including slavery, war, violence, illness, and the loss of children.

46 Plays was created by the Neo-Futurists, a Chicago-based collective of writer/director/performers. The Neo-Futurists are known for shows that pack many miniature plays, often centering on a particular theme or issue, into one performance event. In 2016, SMSU Theatre presented the Neo-Futurist’s 44 Plays for 44 Presidents.

46 Plays is directed by Professor Nadine Purvis Schmidt of Estelline, So. Dak., who is also the producer. Professor of Theatre Sheila Tabaka of Marshall, Minn., is the costume designer. Assistant Professor of Theatre Tetta M. Askeland of Marshall, Minn. is the scenic and lighting designer. Sally Tabaka, a junior Theatre Arts major from Marshall, Minn., is the assistant director. Olivia Houseman, a sophomore Theatre Arts major from Marshall, Minn., is the stage manager and the props co-manager.

The cast and production team includes the following students and alumni, with each actor playing multiple roles.

Cast:

Sariah Cheadle, an SMSU Theatre Arts alum of Marshall, Minn.
Peder Early, a freshman Elementary Education major and Theatre Arts minor from Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Lillian Guggisberg, a freshman Exercise Science major and Spanish and Music minor from Lynd, Minn.
Bryn Mongeau, a senior Theatre Arts and Music double major from Beaver Creek, Minn.
Priscilla Muehr, a sophomore Theatre Arts major from Luverne, Minn. Muehr is also the projections designer.
Jazzlyn Nelson, a freshman Secondary English Education major and Acting/Directing minor from Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
JJ Ostenson, a freshman Theatre Arts major from Edgemont, So. Dak.
Amelia Reid, a sophomore Environmental Science major from Eden Valley, Minn.
Eden Riegle, a sophomore Studio Art and Graphic Design major and Marketing minor from Stillwater, Minn.
Jules Scarborough, a freshman Theatre Arts major and Psychology minor from St. Cloud, Minn.
Alyster Schmidt, a junior Theatre Arts major from Westbrook, Minn. Schmidt is also the sound designer.
Arianna Urch, a junior Marketing major from New Ulm, Minn.
David Wendt, a sophomore Music Education major from Sioux Falls, So. Dak.

Production Team:

Laura Bradley, a junior Secondary Education-History major and Theatre Arts minor from Brooklyn Park, Minn., is the house manager and dramaturg.
Kayla Browen, a sophomore Music Education major and Design/Technical Theatre minor from Worthington, Minn., is an assistant stage manager and props co-manager.
Michael Sieling, a sophomore Theatre Arts major from Hanley Falls, Minn., is the assistant sound designer.

46 Plays for America’s First Ladies is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com). Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to the start of each show.

To learn more about the SMSU Theatre Arts program and the 2024-25 season, visit www.smsu.edu/go/theatre