“Godspell” Continues to Captivate

Previously published in “The Stroud Courier” on March 1, 2018. ESU’s theatre department presents “Godspell” this week. The musical combines multiple parables from the Gospel According to Matthew. While Jesus Christ teaches lessons to his followers through song and dance, audiences do not need to be religious to enjoy this show. The actors bring out …

“The Laramie Project” Beckons Tears from Viewers

  Previously published in "The Stroud Courier" on Nov. 30, 2017. “I didn’t expect to cry so much.” Words like this were floating around the audience of the small black box theatre in Fine Arts two weeks ago. Some audience members even tried to hide their tears behind sniffles during intermission of ESU Stage II’s …

“The Laramie Project” Spotlights Sexuality and Society

Previously published in "The Stroud Courier" on Nov. 16, 2017. When Nick Kwietniak proposed to direct “The Laramie Project” for Stage II, ESU’s theatre club, he did not expect it to have as much relevance as it does today. Last semester, while reading prospective plays to direct, he knew “The Laramie Project” would hit home. …

Theatre Department Presents “Little Shop of Horrors”

Previously published in "The Stroud Courier" on April 13, 2017. “Little Shop of Horrors” combines the triple threat of acting, singing and dancing into a rock musical that mixes comedy with horror. The show is adapted from the low-budget 1960 black comedy film “The Little Shop of Horrors.” Senior Destiny Washington plays Crystal the Urchin. …

“The 39 Steps” Blends Comedy and Mystery

Previously published in "The Stroud Courier" on Feb. 23, 2017. A fun, action-packed comedy. This central theme of ESU theatre department’s upcoming production of Patrick Barlow’s “The 39 Steps” is what drives the actors and crew to entertain nine audiences between Feb. 28 and March 5. “It’s different because it is both a murder mystery …

Pocono Mountain Theater Company Reads “Krapp, 39”

Previously published in "The Stroud Courier" on March 24, 2016. Staged readings of new contemporary American plays are being presented at East Stroudsburg University to promote Pocono Mountains Theater Company, which is partnered with ESU’s Theatre Department. Pocono Mountains Theater Company is an up and coming nonprofit organization that aims to develop and produce new …

“Almost, Maine” Review

Previously published in "The Stroud Courier" on Dec. 3, 2015. Stage II’s production of the romantic comedy “Almost, Maine” left audiences in awe during its run at ESU Nov. 19 through Nov. 22. “Two words: shattered expectations. I didn’t expect as much,” said senior Seth Fornwalt. “This was the second play I was at, so …

Stage II Presents “Almost, Maine”

As published in "The Stroud Courier" on Nov. 19, 2015. Stage II, ESU’s theatre club, will present its production of “Almost, Maine” this weekend and, unlike what is usually produced by the theatre department, the play is run completely by students. “Almost, Maine” is a romantic comedy written by John Cariani. The play consists of …

ESU Hits it Out of the Park

As published in "The Stroud Courier" on Oct. 22, 2015. Last weekend, the Smith-McFarland stage was no longer a stage, but a baseball diamond. Suddenly, ESU’s drama department transported the audience to a little league stadium and, within the next two hours, was left in awe with a deeper understanding of discrimination. “Jackie & Me” …

Premiere of “Jackie & Me”

As published in "The Stroud Courier" on Oct. 15, 2015. ESU’s Theatre Department is taking us back in time for some history with its production of “Jackie & Me” this week, opening tonight at 7:30 p.m. “Jackie & Me” follows the story of 10-year-old Joey Stoshack as he time-travels to Brooklyn in 1947. While there, …