Students to Stage First Production in Keenan Commons

The effects of this fall’s opening of Fernandez-Duminuco Hall will be felt for generations to come, particularly in the arts. Next weekend, the Xavier Dramatics Society will debut its fall production, Our Town, in the spectacular, two-story Keenan Commons, named for Xavier’s 29th President, Fr. Jim Keenan, S.J. Professional sound and lighting installations, an incredible stage, and 29 talented cast members promise to take Xavier’s drama program to new heights with this latest production.

Performances will be held Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 11, at 2 p.m. Faculty and staff tickets are complimentary; all other tickets are $10.

The show’s director, Nicole DiMarco, spoke to the Xavier E-News about the production.

Xavier E-News: Tell us what attendees have to look forward to in Our Town.
Nicole DiMarco: Aside from a memorable performance by this very talented cast, we had the pleasure of securing Rebecca Freund, a Broadway costume designer (Hello, Dolly!), to design the costumes for us!

Xavier E-News: How long have you and the cast been preparing for the show?
DiMarco: We have been rehearsing since the end of September—four days a week from 3-6 p.m. every day.

Xavier E-News: How has Keenan Commons affected your preparations?
DiMarco: To begin, we have had a fantastic space for rehearsal almost every day. There is room to breathe and spread out during rehearsals, too. For example, students can now sit on couches in the back of the commons to do homework when they aren't working. It has also been a blessing for our stage crew kids, who now have the freedom to be creative now that there is no more manual labor required for set-up in the space. For example, because the lights are permanently in position, the kids on crew can focus on design instead of manually hanging lights, too.

Xavier E-News: How will the new space shape the experience of attendees next weekend?
DiMarco: The greatest improvement will be the lack of technical issues. Sound was the biggest issue in the old space (and the biggest complaint from the audience) so a new, professionally outfitted space will make a huge difference.