Fall Production of "Growing Up Christian" Blends Comedy and Gritty Topics In a Personal Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2006

MEDIA CONTACT
Ashley Hopkins
Office of College Communications
978.867.4569

WENHAM, MA-For their first production of the Fall 2006 season, the Gordon College Theatre Department presents Growing Up Christian, an ensemble-created work about growing up Christian in late 20th and early 21st century America. Drawn from the personal experiences of individual cast members, Growing Up Christian confronts gritty topics through truthful reflections on sexuality, death, religion, friendship, and societal pressures, with humor, creativity and thoughtful expression.

"The stories shared are in some cases hysterical and full of comedy, but at times are also dark and introspective," says Director, Jeff Miller. "The audience will see a complete range of emotions here." The production examines the Christian family home and addresses the uniqueness of that environment, and how growing up a Christian becomes a differentiating factor among peers. It also considers how religion impacts global perspectives.

Portrayed through scenes, stories and song, Growing Up Christian incorporates memories inspired by cast discussions and personal interviews. "The show style moves away from the traditional plot structure typically seen on our stages," says Miller who also serves on Gordon's faculty in the Department of Theatre Arts. "We're taking a different approach that empowers the actors to tell their personal stories on stage, while working collaboratively. Stylistically this production becomes more of a collage, as we combine the actors' stories and individual experiences with tangible visual effects, to create their interpretations of growing up in a Christian home."

The 90-minute performance features 11 cast members (eight women, three men) and incorporates music ranging from the traditional Doxology to Disney classics. "I asked the actors to bring in music that reminded them of their childhood as a way of establishing common ground. The music captured in this production truly represents the time period in which these actors were raised."

WHAT: Gordon College Fall Theatre Production Growing Up Christian

WHERE: Margaret Jensen Theatre, Barrington Center for the Arts, Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Rd., Wenham, MA

WHEN: November 10-11 and 14-18, 2006. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm; Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm; and Saturday matinees at 4:30 pm

*Please note on Friday, November 10, performance begins at 5:30 p.m.

General admission for Friday and Saturday evening performances is $13 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Thursday evening performances and Saturday matinees are $11 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased on-line by visiting the Gordon College web site at www.gordon.edu or by calling the Gordon College ticket line at 978.867.3400. Tickets will also be available at the door before each performance.

For information on Growing Up Christian or to request photos of the performance, please contact Ashley Hopkins at 978.867.4569 or e-mail [email protected] .

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Gordon College is a Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences on Boston's North Shore. The college offers majors in 36 fields and has graduate programs in education and music education. Leading the way in Christian college merit, Gordon is nationally ranked for its excellence in academics and its role in character building. These achievements recognize Gordon as one of the nation's top Christian colleges.

 

 

 

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