ETB is going to present The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds by Paul Zindel (1970), directed by Jenan Jacobson and Mikaela Kropp this Friday, Oct. 21st, from 8 to 9:45pm at the Little Norse Theatre.
The play focuses on a dysfunctional family consisting of some really complex female characters, including single mother Beatrice and her two daughters Ruth and Tillie, all trying to figure out how to live together as a family and how to love each other despite those pretty insurmountable obstacles that get in their way. It is overall gritty and rough, even though there are moments of humor. According to Jacobson, they have a power cast that is comprised entirely of freshmen. Even though they had so little time to put the piece together, everyone truly committed to getting the job done. Not only did they have to deal with the intense scheduling, they also tackled characters and situations that were uncomfortable for them. These were not easy shoes to fill sometimes, and it impressed her to see the cast walking around comfortably in them.
Jacobson chose this play because she wanted a show with a lot of female representation, as well as a play that allowed actors to explore the thin line between absurd and realistic. “This was my first time directing, so I felt a lot of pressure to make the process enjoyable for my actors, while at the same time coaxing results as swiftly as I could. I certainly hope I met both of those requirements–you can see for yourself when you come see the show!”