Theatre & Dance Goes for The Jugular!
BOONE, N.C. - The Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance takes a bite out of Halloween (literally and figuratively) as it continues its 35th anniversary season celebration with the play, "Let the Right One In." This enchanting, brutal vampire myth and coming-of-age love story is adapted by Jack Thorne from the bestselling novel and award-winning film by John Ajvide Lindqvist.
Jack Thorne
The four performance run takes place in the Valborg Theatre on the university campus at 7 p.m. from October 30 through November 2 with a 2 p.m. matinee curtain on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for faculty and staff, and $10 for students. They are available online through the department website at theatreanddance.appstate.edu, as well by phone at 800-841-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Schaefer Center for the Arts box office.
The story centers on Oskar, a bullied lonely teenage boy living with his mother in a housing complex at the edge of an unspecified northern U.S. town, when a spate of sinister killings rocks the neighborhood. Eli is the young girl who has just moved in next door. She doesn't go to school and never leaves the apartment by day. Sensing in each other a kindred spirit, the two become devoted friends. What Oskar doesn't know is that Eli has been a teenager for a very long time.
Dr. Derek Davidson, Associate Professor of Theatre, is directing the App State production, which is a regional premiere of the play. Concurrently, Dr. Davidson is teaching the Honors Junior Inquiry Seminar titled "The Vampire in Literature & Film," providing an extensive amount of dramaturgical research for the all student cast "Let the Right One In."
Dr. Derek Davidson
In his director's notes for the production, Davidson states, in part, that "When I was fifteen and read 'Salem's Lot' by Stephen King—vampires take over a small town, really scary, maybe THE experience engendering my lifelong love of vampire stories. Then I thought I'd pivot seamlessly, impressively into a more confessional tone, relating how I was bullied as a kid. Because yes, this play is about vampires—one vampire, actually—and bullying.
"But we are living in strange times, terrorized, bullied by turns (sometimes sort of in stereo) from political figures and natural calamities. As outside the theatre election-cycle monsters and environmental disasters rage, the story of a wee vampire wreaking local havoc seems somehow...quaint. Tame, comparatively."
Dr. Gina Grandi
Dramaturg Dr. Gina Grandi added, "Let the Right One In," the novel by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist, was released in 2004. The past twenty years have seen two film adaptations, a television series, a comic book series, and, of course, a stage play.
"Throughout the centuries, elements of Vampire lore persist across retellings: the need for blood, distinctive movement patterns and uncanny stillness, and preternatural strength. And, of course, the need for an invitation. While the origins of this particular trope are difficult to pin down, the understanding that a Vampire cannot enter a home without being invited is pervasive across folktales, short stories, novels, and films.
"In the end, how do we know who 'the right one' is?"
App State students Caz Zukowski and Sophie Tucker portray the pivotal roles of Oskar and Eli, respectively, and lead an ensemble cast of 17 that includes classmates, listed alphabetically, Mackenzie Boone, Jaiden Campbell, Joey Diasparra, Maddy Dulin, Ray Foraker, Gianna Giglio, Jaylen Hoskins, Justice Kirkpatrick, Nick Malloy, Delta McCalister, Alexandra Pekatos, Ralph Philips, Jeremy Snedeker, Jr., and Damien Tomczak.
The creative team joining Davidson on "Let the Right One In" includes guest scenic designer Lenny Lively and guest sound designer George Antczak (who is also providing original music), along with student costume and make-up designer Ella Drymon. Department faculty members involved in the production are lighting designer John Marty, dramaturg and prop master Dr. Gina Grandi, fight choreographer Derek Gagnier, and intimacy choreographer Dr. Paulette Marty.
In addition, student Willow Brookshire is stage managing the production with Theatre and Dance staff members Matt Tyson and Kristin Grieneisen serving as technical director and costume shop supervisor respectively. D2 Flying Effects is providing equipment, skills and experience to create special flying effects for the show.
The Department of Theatre and Dance production of "Let the Right One In" is produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. For parking information and directions to the Valborg Theatre, see Visitor Parking.
Creative artwork by Brad Parquette.
THR 3445 student Ava Dixon contributed to this media release.
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About the Department of Theatre & Dance
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Theatre and Dance's mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region, www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine & Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,570 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.