Glacity Theatre Collective to presents ‘God’s Ear’

September 15, 2011 | Arts, UToday
By Staff



How do you cope with the unthinkable? And whose side is the tooth fairy really on?

In a follow-up to their critically acclaimed performance at Carnegie Hall with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the Glacity Theatre Collective will present an area first with its production of Jenny Schwartz’s new play, “God’s Ear,” which will open Friday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. in Studio A of the the Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St.

Aggie Alt plays Mel and Qarie Marshall is Ted in this scene from the Glacity Theatre Collective’s production of “God’s Ear” by Jennie Schwartz.

Aggie Alt plays Mel and Qarie Marshall is Ted in this scene from the Glacity Theatre Collective’s production of “God’s Ear” by Jennie Schwartz.

Playful, arresting language and a startling array of characters are at the fore as Schwartz combines humor and emotional depth, whimsy and heartbreak to alternately move and amuse.

“I was drawn to the poetic language and the flexibility of the text,” said Irene Alby, UT associate lecturer of theatre, during a break from rehearsal. “It is a very contemporary play. Schwartz uses the overload of information in today’s age to demonstrate our increasing isolation.

“In the aftermath of their tragedy, Ted and Mel hide behind information and multitasking in order to avoid having to truly connect to themselves and each other,” Alby said. “Ultimately, it’s a story about how we manage to recover, bit by bit, from the worst things that can happen to us and get on with life — with a little help from the tooth fairy.”

The cast features UT Theatre Instructor Qarie Marshall and Aggie Alt as Ted and Mel, a couple grappling with the accidental death of their son. Angelica Alby-Gabara plays their daughter, Lanie. Helping — and interfering — with the family’s attempts to cope are Dave DeChristopher, UT instructor of theatre and film, and Nikki Soldner, UT alumna, and Phillipe Taylor and Ernest Green.

James S. Hill, UT professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Film, designed the set, and Holly Monsos, UT associate dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and executive director of the Glacity Theatre Collective, designed the costumes.

“God’s Ear” will be presented Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16-18 and Sept. 23-25. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows will be 2 p.m. Doors open one half hour prior to curtain.

Studio A features club-style seating and a cash bar for patrons. Ticket prices are $22 and are available in person at the Valentine Theatre Box Office, online here or by phone at 419.242.2787.

The Sunday, Sept. 18, performance will be a “pay what you can” matinee, and tickets will be available at the door only.

Go to www.glacity.org for more information.

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