October 25, 2024/ Midnight
Erie, PA – A family comedy, “Making God Laugh” is on this week at Schuster Theatre.
“Making God Laugh” is written by Sean Grennan, a well–known actor and playwright from Illinois, US. His writing career started as a co–writer for the musical play called “Phantom of the Country Opera”, which was premiered to the world at the Marriott Theatre in Illinois. His performances and plays have been on stages all around the United States including Chicago, New York, Florida, Kansas City, Wisconsin, and other places around the globe.
The play comes to Gannon University under the direction of Jordan Wolfe, the Artistic Director of Schuster Theater. The story is set in the 80s. It’s about the family of Ruthie and Bill, who have three grown kids – a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former football star – who have all returned home, where audiences learn about their backgrounds, dreams, and plans as they start their adult lives. “Making God Laugh” brings you to the theme of American family over a span of 30 years when the differences between generations are revealed, old family rituals are revisited, and ancient tensions resurface. It is set for entertainment and delivering meaningful messages to the audience.
Bill Prior, who plays Bill – the father of family, in an interview with Schuster Theatre said about his connection with the character: “I think it’s just the idea that of finding happiness even in the toughest moment and understanding that even if things don’t go as the way you expect them to or the way you plan, it’ll be all okay.”
Anthony Nunez portrays the youngest child Thomas – the priest and often called as “the good son,” said what he most enjoys about his cast: “… it’s the cast I can match with very well, very quickly.” He describes him as a person on the quiet side, but because he feels the character’s vibe, he can be himself.
The mom of family, Ruthie, is played by Chloe Kassalen, who describes the difficulties of playing her. “Ruthie tends not to be a nice person. She is not tend to be the best mom and I think that’s a little difficult for me sometimes to try to get into a character and kind of not be super nice. I kind of feel bad even though I know it’s not me.”
“Making God Laugh” has 7 performances from Thursday, October 17 to Saturday, October 26. The ticket is on sale at Schuster Theatre’s website for $15.00. If you are a Gannon student, there is a coupon code BROTHER for $5 off and you will need to bring your student ID when arriving. Don’t miss it!
