(FREE) Ponca Playhouse’s Life Sucks debuts FRIDAY March 28: Get Your Tickets Now!
Story by: Marlys Cervantes
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Tickets are on sale for Ponca Playhouse’s next production, Life Sucks, which opens March 28th. The production is a brash reworking of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya that explores a group of old friends, ex-lovers, estranged in-laws, and lifelong enemies who gather to grapple with life’s thorniest questions—and each other. What could possibly go wrong? Incurably lustful and lonely, hapless and hopeful, these seven souls collide and stumble their way towards a new understanding that LIFE SUCKS! Or does it?
You don’t want to miss this production as it shows you the depth of these characters, directed by Playhouse favorite, Emily Rose Parman, who always puts together a good show and has wanted to direct this production since she first saw it in 2019. Parman says, “Life and the world can feel pretty dark right now, so it feels like the questions that this show is asking are timely, pertinent and universal.”
Parman goes on regarding the relevance of the show: “We aren’t dealing with world shaping events here, just heart shaping. But when it comes down to it, that’s what most of us are actually dealing with.”
Finding the perfect production for the time and our community, Parman is a wonderful example of an individual who gives much to the Playhouse and theatre community in diverse ways. Her cast for this production includes many who do the same and are involved in multiple ways with the Playhouse. You will enjoy a strong cast with some of your onstage favorites.
Just coming off her first directing role for The Little Prince, Maya Arana plays “ice princess” Ella. Of moving from directing straight into this acting role, Arana says, “It has been an adventure! Coming off a whimsical show about wonder and adventure and being in that world for so long, it took some time to transition into the raw world of Life Sucks.” Arana credits the cast for helping her with the quick transition into this show.
Some others in the cast who’ve served multiple roles at the Playhouse include Ryan Brown, Nathan Oesterle and Sam Stuart. Brown, playing the emotionally diverse Uncle Vanya, explains he is most comfortable on stage since that’s what he’s spent most of his life doing. He loves working together for the goal of putting on “the best production possible.” As to the diversity of his work at the theater, Brown says, “From the perspective of an actor, it’s important to see how every member of the production team is vital to the success of the show.” He knows the more an individual knows about the process overall, the better they can be at every job they take on.
Oesterle, who plays the charismatic Dr. Aster, agrees with the idea of being well-rounded in what you do, saying, “I’ve always been a Jack-of-all-trades who just does whatever needs to be done. In New York, it led to me doing carpentry, sound, lights, and a myriad of other jobs. The Playhouse is a fun place to design for because it means I have to be creative.” Oesterle’s creativity in all these areas lends even more depth to his acting on the stage.
Stuart, playing the witty Babs, enjoys diverse time with the Playhouse acting, directing, building costumes, doing makeup, working on sets, and serving in the past as a board member. She says, “Don’t do anything halfway if you truly love it.” On this show, what she really loves is working with Director Emily Rose Parman. Of the experience, she says, “Parman is so knowledgeable and innovative. She has taken the whole cast on a beautiful journey and helped us all understand ourselves and our characters more than we ever thought possible.”
You can reserve your tickets via the Playhouse’s new ticket system at www.poncaplayhouse.ludus.com where you will be able to choose your seats. If you have any questions, you can leave a message at the Playhouse at 580-765-5360 or email at poncaplayhouse@gmail.com. This play contains adult language, mature situations, and absolute absurdity. Not recommended for children under 18.
Buy your tickets now! Actor Oesterle expresses one of the reasons why you should attend: “I’ve been in a lot of shows that I’ve liked for dozens of different reasons. I don’t think I’ve done a show that feels as healing as Life Sucks. It asks the tough questions in such a way as to remind you why life is worth living.”
The show runs March 28-30 and April 4-6, with Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Director Parman says, “I think that universal quality is the reason Chekhov’s works are so important to so many people, and I love that contemporary playwrights like Aaron Posner and Haley Pfeiffer are reinterpreting his plays for a modern audience.” You don’t want to miss out on this production!
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