As students are nearing the end of the spring semester, Concordia’s Theatre Department is preparing their final production of the year “Wings” written by Arthur Kopit and directed by Tony Vezner. Opening on March 21, “Wings” tells the story of Emily Stilson, a former stunt pilot, as she experiences a life-threatening stroke. Audiences experience an introspective view of how Stilson views the world and her journey with her therapist. 

With the story taking place inside Stilson’s head, a large majority of the spoken lines in the show belong to her character played by senior Theatre major Isabella Mangahis. 

“In this show, my character is a former aviatrix and wingwalker. Flight is therefore not unusual to her and is something she finds a lot of joy in, so, naturally, we’ve incorporated a couple of lifts in which the ensemble carries me to give the impression of flight….I have to give so much credit to our movement choreography, Michael, who has been incredibly encouraging, has helped me to see how movement can progress a story, and has given me the space to build leadership while we rehearse these pieces,” said Mangahis.

“Wings” relies heavily on teamwork as several other students work in an ensemble to help make the story come to life. “It has been stressed that despite Emily's mammoth amount of lines, the ensemble is so important in terms of constructing her post-stroke world,” said sophomore English and Theatre major, Nicole Kramer. 

Perhaps one of the most pivotal and intricate elements of the show is the choreographed movement and lift sequences. While planned lifts and stunts could easily become a point of concern or fear for an actor, the cast of “Wings” has found the process of learning the movements enjoyable and safe. “The rehearsal process has been good. We are doing different lifts and having someone there step-by-step to tell us and show us how to do these safely is great,” said sophomore Theatre major Rebecca Kadera. 

While impressive and visually stunning, the teamwork and movement of “Wings” serve the greater purpose of portraying the inside of Stilon’s head as she struggles to use language following her stroke. “This has been one of the most unique experiences that I have gotten to be a part of….the ensemble work in the show is something truly special,” said junior Theatre major Cara Winkelman. When asked about one element that they are most excited for audiences to see, Winkekman said, “I think that the staging, design and acting is going to truly impress people.” 

As the Theatre Department continues to produce excellent performances that covers a range of subject matters from serious to light-hearted, the themes of language and medical tragedies in “Wings” have been deeply impactful for many cast members and they hope audiences will resonate with them just as much. “I wish that the students and faculty gain an understanding of what a patient like Stilson goes through and the real struggles that stroke victims have,” said freshman Josiah Ruehs. Kramer shared that sentiment adding, “I hope they remember that language is such a gift that some lose or do not have. Communication in all its forms is a beautiful thing.”

“Wings” will play at the Studio Theatre on March. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and March 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. Concordia students can reserve free tickets for one performance by using the code CUISTU at checkout. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit simple.tix.com. 

 

Tags: Theatre, Alexander Carr, event, Performing Arts

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