NGU Alumni Present ‘Unreal City’ at Billingsley Theatre
Posted on: September 18, 2024
Tigerville, SC—“I get emotional when I pause to think about the awesome reality that this show is happening.”
Those are reflections from Abigail Thomas, director of NGU Theatre’s upcoming production, “Unreal City: A Song Cycle,” and a 2023 North Greenville University alum.
NGU Theatre will open its 2024-2025 season with performances on September 19-21 and September 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. in The Billingsley Theatre in Tigerville.
“Unreal City” is based on T.S. Eliot’s poem, “The Wasteland.” Looking at the post World War One poem, Elliot writes on the themes of fragmentation and isolation. This song cycle expresses how hope and community can defeat those themes written in Elliot’s poem.
“Through the show we see a series of vignettes that depict broken, fragmented relationships. It is not until each character can accept help from others and join together in community that healing can happen,” Abigail said.
“Unreal City” is not only directed by an NGU alum, but it is also written by Abigail’s husband, Michael Thomas, who graduated from North Greenville in 2021.
The married duo is using their passions of creative and performing arts to present a show that seeks to leave audiences reminded of the hope of Jesus Christ.
“Working together has brought us closer together in our relationship. It really is a dream come true to be creating art with your best friend,” Abigail said.
Since the original Eliot poem confronts human suffering, “Unreal City” will contain challenging material.
“This is an intentional decision, rooted in our desire to tell the whole story of redemption,” said Amy Dunlap, theatre department chair. “In order to fully understand and appreciate the need for redemption, we must first acknowledge the reality of sin and brokenness in our world.”
The show’s rehearsal process started with a few virtual meetings, with the cast analyzing the script over the summer. In person rehearsals started at the beginning of August.
Before the initial rehearsal process, NGU theatre hosted two workshops for “Unreal City.”
“We thought it would be a great opportunity to support new work and support our alumni as they branch off into the world of theatre. We are trying to reconnect with our alumni,” said Dunlap.
Abigail said the entire process has been surreal.
“The cast is fantastic. They have really poured themselves into these roles. It is awesome as a director when the actors offer new and different perspectives,” she said.
The cast for the show includes: Rachel Forester (Philomel “Lil”); Alyse Barrett (Marie); Matthew Blanton (Phlebas), Dylan Thompson (Tiresias); Meghan Frady (Philomel understudy/Procne); Chappie Livdahl (Tiresias understudy/Stetson & Albert); Sadie Beaumont (May); Eliana Kelly (Isolde); and Morgan Madden (Marie understudy).
Crew positions for “Unreal City” includes: Abigail Dover Thomas (Director); Michael Thomas (Composer/Lyricist); Ruby Lee (Music Director); Kara Hayes (Stage Manager); Rebecca Panagiotacos (Assistant Stage Manager); and Marnie Daniel (Choreographer).
Abigail’s said her calling to go into directing started in a sophomore year directing class. By the end of that course, theatrical directing became her passion.
“I’ve always been an organized person and directing brought together my love of order and creativity,” she said.
Directing a main stage show at her collegiate alma mater, Abigail describes it as a privilege and honor.
“In a way it feels like an opportunity to give back to the theatre that made me the artist that I am,” she said.
“Unreal City” tickets are $8 for students and children and $15 for adults. Premium seating tickets are $20.
