‘Gint’ to grace the Wells Theater stage

by Bryan Blanks
Courier Staff

The MC Theater Department proudly presents its first show of the spring semester. Featuring a cast of ten performers, “Gint” spans the life of Pete Gint over six decades and is a modern adaptation of Ibsen’s drama, “Peer Gynt.” “Gint,” written by Romulus Linney, runs Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Cast members in the show range from freshmen to seniors.

The show is being co-directed by Chris Sorenson, Guest Theater Professor and Bill Wallace, Professor of Communications and Theater Arts, with assistance from junior Leanna Wilson.
Many of the cast members in the show play an array of characters, ranging from old men and women to razorback hogs. Student Director Wilson states, “Gint’’ is a more experimental show than Monmouth is used to and it will be a unique theatre experience that the students can enjoy.” It is worth noting the play does contain mature language and subject matter.

Junior Chris Walljasper plays the title role of Gint and was last seen on the Wells Theater stage as Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.” Walljapser defines the show as “a progressive piece that will make you want to cry, laugh, and punch someone in the face.”

This adaptation of “Gint” will be an experience that theatergoers will not want to miss. The action is fast-paced and the players dissolve from one scene into the next, while creating interesting characters that bring the show alive. The play occurs on a contemporary-structured set, designed by Doug Rankin, Professor of Communication and Theater Arts, with costumes created by Tim Holmes, Costume Shop Director.

Other cast members in the show include freshmen Kelsey Cole and John McElligott, sophomores Tiela Halpin, Holly Sanders and Ellen Ehrenhart, juniors Greg Malak, Sara Youngs and Stephanie Haas, with senior Kelly Winfrey.

The cast of “Gint” hopes that the MC student body will come out and support this unique endeavor for the theater department. Ellen Ehrenhart, who plays a number of roles in the show, including the devil, feels theater ventures such as “Gint” fail to be produced as often as many other styles of shows, therefore, she hopes “the campus takes advantage of this great opportunity.”