After its avant-garde choice to perform “Evil Dead” as the fall show, Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre will continue this offbeat trend with its winter show, “Dog, Woman, Man.”

The play was originally written in German by Swiss author Sibylle Berg and translated into English by Neil Blackadder. It follows a man and a woman who can’t stand the sight of each other. Despite this, they find themselves bound to one another. Shortly after this, they meet a dog that gets emotionally attached to them because he, like the couple, is looking for protection and has nothing to lose.

The dog, who is also the narrator, brings the couple together for a short period of time, but this doesn’t last. Possessiveness overtakes love, and mistrust replaces

______________________

Cast A

Man: George Meucci

Woman: Bre Womble

Dog: Jack O’Connell

Cast B

Man: Marino Martin

Woman: Stella Pryzyblinski

Dog: Zachary Hoffman

_______________________closeness. The couple refuses to break up, and their everyday routine binds them together.

“Dog, Woman, Man” allows students involved to experience theater that addresses complex issues and is a unique experience, especially for first-time performers.

The cast list is as follows according to theatre director Alaina Manchester:

“This is my first production,” Zach Hoffman, a junior cybersecurity major playing dog, said. “I have already learned so much about theater life.”

Hoffman said being in a production greatly added to his college experience.

“It is pretty stressful, but it also lets me express myself outside of the classroom,” he said. “It’s also very challenging because it is so new to me, so being in the play keeps me on my toes.”

With COVID-19 still lingering and restrictions still a consideration, Hoffman said that the play is not as intimate and personal as it once was. Performers have to wear masks for rehearsals, and the audience too must wear masks while in the theater.

George Meucci, a senior playing man, said that the experience is totally different from when he was a freshman.

“In general, there’s a whole different group of leaders,” he said. “Personally, I have more of a mentor role now and I enjoy helping the new kids transition into college style theater.”

“Dog, Woman, Man” will have two casts, and they will alternate with each performance. The shows at 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Dec. 4, Dec. 10 and 2 p.m. Dec. 11 will feature Hoffman, Stella Przybylinski and Marino Martin as the dog, woman and man, respectfully.

The shows at 8 p.m. Dec. 3, Dec. 9 and Dec. 11 will feature Jack O’Connell, Bre Womble and Meucci as the dog, woman and man, respectfully.

With its energy and humor, “Dog, Woman, Man,” is sure to entertain for its run.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.gannon.edu/visitors-and-community/area-attractions/schuster-theatre/. Tickets are $7, and Gannon students can use the code DOG at checkout to receive a $2 discount.