ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University Theater department will present their winter production, “The Metromaniacs,” in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater.
Performances of “The Metromaniacs” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14-18. The Black Box Theater is located in the newly renovated Johnson Fine Arts Center. “The Metromaniacs” marks the second performance presented in the Black Box Theater, following the fall production of “Next to Normal.”
“In 18th-century Paris, poets are the rock stars of the day, and young people like Damis have gone métromanie-crazy for poetry. Damis has a serious case of verse-mania, so much so that he falls in love with his favorite poetess, not knowing that his idol is actually a middle-aged gentleman writing under a pen name! Soon we're off and running in a breathless series of complications, plot twists, and mistaken identities that The Washington Post calls ‘a marvel of old and new, with punchlines that glisten with classical flair and contemporary savvy!’ The Metromaniacs is a true comic find,” commented Daniel Yurgaitis.
The lead role of Damis is played by Joshua Hinkemeyer of Browns Valley, Minn. Michael Lytle, Rapid City, plays Dorante, a young man in love with Lucille. Tyler Lanam, Rapid City, plays Mondor, Damis’ valet. MacKinley Bruemmer, La Crosse, Wisc., plays Francalou, Lucille’s father. Levi Seefeldt, Clark, plays Baliveau, Damis’ uncle. Christine Powers, Hot Springs, plays Lucille, a young woman in love with poetry. Emily Davis, Aberdeen, plays Lisette, Lucille’s maid.
Directing the production is NSU Director of Theater, Daniel Yurgaitis. Joshua John Frachiseur is the scenic designer and Tina Hanagan is the director light and sound design, as well as production manager.
The play was originally written by Alexis Piron, and adapted by David Ives for The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC in 2015. This is its South Dakota Premiere.
Tickets for the production are $18 for adults and $9 for NSU faculty/staff. NSU Students are admitted free with ID. Tickets can be purchased at the Johnson Fine Arts Center Box Office or online via the NSU School of Fine Arts Page.
Box office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, noon-4 p.m. The box office opens two hours before the show begins on performance nights. The JFAC box office phone number is 605-626-2900.
For more information about “The Metromaniacs,” please contact Yurgaitis at Daniel.Yurgaitis@northern.edu.
About Northern State University
Northern State University offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. To learn more about NSU, visit northern.edu/admissions.