WC Theatre to Present ‘26 Pebbles’

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The Connecticut community of Newtown experienced an unfathomable tragedy on Dec. 14, 2012, when a gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 26 innocent people — 20 young children and six adult staff members — before taking his own life.

For the drama “26 Pebbles”, playwright Eric Ulloa conducted interviews with members of the Newtown community and crafted them into an exploration of how communities grieve, struggle, help, rebuild, remember and move forward after tragedy.

Wilmington College Theatre will present “26 Pebbles” on Feb. 23, 24 and 25, at 7:30 p.m., in Hugh G. Heiland Theatre. Dramaturg Bryan Wallingford said the show’s content can be a “challenging topic to approach”… but the essence of the show is one of hope, connection and healing.

“These 26 innocent deaths, like pebbles thrown into a pond, created ripples and vibrations that were felt far beyond the initial rings. This is the story of those vibrations,” he said.

J. Wynn Alexander, professor of theatre, is providing direction and design for the show.

“26 Pebbles”, played without an intermission, features an especially intimate setting for the actors and audience, as seating will be exclusively on stage. Tickets are limited and, with no reserved seats, festival seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be available for purchase via beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6. Also, a portal for ticket purchases will be activated Monday morning on WC’s website, .“theatre tickets” in the search function.

Besides Alexander, the production staff also includes Becky Haines, lighting/sound design and sound operation; Bryan Wallingford, dramaturgy; Fae Maffin, stage management; Christina Murdock, publication design; and shop assistants Olivia Boczar, Peyton Holden, Alyssa Jenkins, Fae Maffin, Becca Simonji and Zach Tillis.

The cast features Alyssa Jenkins as Jenn/Carla; Sterling Goodwin as Michael/Darren; Zach Tillis as Bill/Father Weiss; Jordan Snarr as Joe/Chris; Dalan Toups as Rabbi Praver/Mike; Sydney Geibel as Yolie/Jeriann; Jennah Blair as Georgia/Kat/Carrie; Ollie Basta as Julie/Carole; and Ellie Craig as Sally/Starr.

After the performance, the audience is invited to join the cast, crew and production staff for a question/answer, “talk back” session to discuss the play.

Submitted by Randall Sarvies, senior director of public relations, Wilmington College.

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