Sally Vicks (played by Stephanie Haas) comforts the title character (played by Chris Walljasper) in a rehearsal for "Gint," which will be performed at Monmouth College's Wells Theater Feb. 23-26.

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Monmouth College will open its spring theater season with “Gint,” a captivating adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s “Peer Gynt,” written by Romulus Linney. Performances are Feb 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at the college’s Wells Theater.

Tickets are $4 for MC students, faculty and staff; $5 for other students and senior citizens and $6 for adults. They may be reserved by contacting co-director Bill Wallace at 309-457-2374 or by e-mailing him at billw@monm.edu. Due to mature language and subject matter, “Gint” is not considered suitable for young children.

“‘Gint’ is a wonderful challenge for us,” notes Wallace. “The show covers more than 80 years and features adventures from all across the globe. Because of this, the script puts a premium on ensemble work and creativity.”

Wallace’s co-director for the production is visiting guest artist Chris Sorensen. Sophomore Leanna Wilson of Galesburg is serving as assistant director.

The story chronicles the life of Pete Gint, beginning with his youth in the mountains of Appalachia and following his worldwide adventures as he interacts with many fantastical characters.

“This play will be a challenge for the audience,” noted Wallace, “because the episodic nature of the piece and its content will stretch many comfort zones. It is, though, a remarkably effective adaptation of Ibsen’s master work, and a tale worth our consideration.”

While three performers – juniors Chris Walljasper of Donnellson, Iowa, as Gint; Sara Youngs of Bloomingdale as Oldie Momma; and Stephanie Haas of Geneva as Sally Vicks – play single characters, the other seven performers take on more than 45 roles in the show.

The other members of the cast include senior Kelly Winfrey, Peoria; junior Greg Malak, Sidell; sophomores Holly Sanders, Bartonville, and Ellen Ehrenhart, Springfield; and freshmen Tiela Halpin, Lansing, John McElligott, Freeport, and Kelsey Cole, Grayslake.

Set design for the production is by Doug Rankin, professor of communication and theater arts and the college’s resident technical director and designer. Senior Kim Hurley of Western
Springs is coordinating the play’s lighting design.

Linney is the author of three novels and more than 40 plays. Born in Philadelphia in 1931, he was raised in the Appalachian town of Madison, Tenn. After receiving a B.A. degree from Oberlin College and an M.F.A. degree from the Yale School of Drama, he traveled to New York City in 1958 to begin his career as a playwright and director. Since that time, his plays have been produced in theaters throughout the United States and abroad.