Theater Department Presents 'On the Verge'

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Department of Theatre will present “On the Verge,” March 1-4 in the Hartman Theatre, Myers Fine Arts Building, on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus.

The New York Times described the play as a “frolicsome jaunt through a continuum of space, time, history, geography, feminism and fashion."

”On the Verge” was written by Eric Overmyer, a writer and producer for several television series including “Law and Order,” “The Wire” and “Treme.”

The plot follows the adventures of three female explorers from the 1890s, traveling through a new land called “Terra Incognita.” As the journey progresses, Fanny, Mary and Alex discover that they are moving not only through a new geography but into a new century.

This Main Stage production is directed by Assistant Professor of Theater Erika Grayson who chose the play because of its humor and use of language.

“As their journey progresses and the women discover they are traveling through time, they begin absorbing the new American culture through the slang and language they encounter along the way,” Grayson explained. “Not only do these Victorian trekkers show us they can accommodate any emergency with grace and humor, they are breaking the boundaries of gender and challenging the notion of woman’s work.” 

Cast members Abigayle Ploetz of Eden, N.Y.; Kendall Tamer of Plattsburgh; and Kiana Pollacek of Schenectady, N.Y., play the roles of the three women. Timothy Wagoner of Champlain is featured in eight different male character roles.

The set, designed by theater professor Kim Hartshorn, “should tingle your imagination,” Grayson said.

The cast were dressed in period costumes designed by E. Marie Barber. SUNY Plattsburgh senior Danielle Sayevich from Copiague, N.Y. designed the lighting for the production.

“Audience members should leave this play feeling a sense of euphoria and wonderment about the world we live in,” Grayson said.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. March 1-3 and 2  p.m. March 4. Tickets will be sold at the door and are available in advance at the Angell College Center desk.

Tickets for Thursday, March 1, only are buy one get free at the door. Prices are $10 general admission; $8 seniors, students and SUNY Plattsburgh faculty and staff; and $2 SUNY Plattsburgh students.