Ashley Huber (front) and musicians (from left) Cody Shanaberger, Joshua Linhart and Ryan Albinus rehearse for the upcoming production of “God Save Gertrude.” Photo by WCU PR Office.
Western Carolina’s School of Stage and Screen’s next Mainstage production, God Save Gertrude, will open Oct. 5 through Oct. 8 in the Bardo Art Center.
God Save Gertrude is written by Deborah Stein and is a punk-rock spin-off of Shakespeare’s classic Hamlet set in post-revolutionary Russia. Gertrude, an ex-punk-rock rebel turned Queen, deals with difficult life choices through the chaotic nature of rock ‘n’ roll.
Ashlee Wasmund, head of the musical theatre department, is directing the show alongside music director Kristen Hedberg. This is the second of six shows for the fall semester in WCU’s Mainstage season.
The lead role of Gertrude is played by Ashley Jennifer Huber, a senior musical theater major at WCU. This is her fourth main stage show of her collegiate career but her first title role. Huber said that one of the things that makes this show unique is the four-person cast and how it creates a bond between cast members and enhances creativity.
“We’re really focused throughout rehearsal especially when the scene is tense, but whenever we come off of one of those we always end up laughing at ourselves. We are all very close and can be more creative since there are only four of us in the show,” explained Huber.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty, staff, and seniors, and $7 for students. For more ticket information call 828-227-2476 or visit the School of Stage and Screen page located on the WCU website.
The School of Stage and Screen will conclude the fall semester with a production of Company by George Furth from Nov. 16 through Nov. 19.
