Theater department embraces quirky comedy in “On the Verge”

Over the last two months, the CSB+SJU theater department has been hard at work preparing for a production of Eric Overmyer’s “On the Verge,” the second of two theatrical performances scheduled for this semester. Performances of “On the Verge” will take place Nov. 17-20 in CSB’s Coleman Theater and count towards FAE and ARTE requirements. Tickets are available on the theater department’s website.

For CSB sophomore Brooke Houska, the performance marks her first time acting in a campus production, though she was involved in community theater growing up.

“I signed up for auditions an hour before they were going to start,” Houska said. “I quite literally tripped running through the door, but I figured that I missed theater too much to not audition. It was actually really fun.”

Houska plays one of the female leads, Alexandra, along with CSB students Cassie Johnson and Olivia Schleper. Together, the trio portrays a group of Victorian women as they traverse an unknown land dubbed Terra Incognita, only to discover that things are not always as they seem.

As a senior, Schleper is no stranger to the theater deparment. She acted in her first production during her first semester on campus and has loved it ever since. After being abroad in London last semester, Schleper is excited to get back on the stage.

“Productions like these are important for everyone involved. Actors get a chance to play on stage, crew members have the opportunity to learn new skills and audience members have the opportunity to appreciate their peers’ work and see some quality performances,” Schleper said.

CSB junior Cassie Johnson plays Fanny, the most level-headed of the three explorers. Having acted in Professor Kaarin Johnston’s performacne of “She Kills Monsters” last year, Johnson looked forward to the opportunity to act in a comedy that really pushes the boundaries on reality.

“‘On The Verge’ is unique because it feels like it is out of reality. Sometimes we break the fourth wall and say phrases that don’t really make sense. I always say that ‘we are on the verge of a communal fever dream.’ That is the most perfect way to describe the show—funny, sweet, odd and just an all-around great time,” Johnson said.

Directed by Johnston, Overmyer’s “On the Verge” incorporates elements of time travel, women’s independence and intellectual freedom into a unique, comedic setting. The women encounter a variety of characters on their journey, each leaving a distinct impact on the lives of Mary, Alex and Fanny.

Joining Houska, Johnson and Schleper in the cast are Ethan Riddle, Natalie McDonald, Ethan Carson and Chloe Terstra. CSB senior Clare Lamb serves as the costume designer for the production, while SJU first year Zack Peterson acts as chief lighting designer. As this year marks the department’s first regular production season since the start of COVID, embracing the arts on campus is as important as ever.

“People need some form of art in their lives. It creates a deeper appreciation for the world. As a biology major, I am running to class and labs all day, but being involved in theater provides me with the opportunity to pursue something I am passionate about,” Houska said.

Johnson, who also works in the departmnet’s costume shop, finds that supporting campus performances is a great way for students to get involved outside of traditional means.

“Theater is a great way for students to express themselves, get out of their comfort zone and try something new,” Johnson said. “Coming to shows is a great way to support your friends, but also the arts as a whole. I feel like theater sometimes gets overlooked because there is so much going on, but it is just as important and plays important role in what makes CSB+SJU unique as liberal arts institutions.