OHIO Lancaster to perform first full-length production on campus since the beginning of COVID with ‘The Shadow Box’

Ohio University Lancaster (OUL) will welcome audiences back to its Wagner Theatre with its first full-length production since February 2020, Michael Cristofer’s “The Shadow Box.”  Performances will run Nov. 3-6 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.

This Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning drama tells the story of three terminally ill cancer patients from all different backgrounds who dwell in separate cottages on a hospital's grounds. As they live out their final days, the three patients are attended to and visited by family and close friends, all of whom have complicated relationships. While at the hospital, the three patients are observed and counseled, talking candidly about their emotional and physical struggles while facing interpersonal challenges.

“‘The Shadow Box’ is a drama about how three families cope during their loved ones’ final days,”’ A. Victor Jones, artistic director and assistant professor of instruction at OUL, said. “This award-winning play is filled with passionate characters who are filled with hope and love. Cast members are drawing upon their own personal experiences, research, and character journal writing to prepare for these challenging roles. The script that playwright Michael Cristofer has written provides the actors with an opportunity for in-depth character work."

Tickets can be purchased online for $12 for the general public and $10 for seniors and students. No in-person sales are currently being conducted at OUL. The link for tickets is here: https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashnetg/selfserve/EditItem.aspx?PC=OULTHE…

COVID safety protocols during the performances will follow Ohio University guidelines, requiring all patrons attending to wear a mask. There will also be socially distanced seating, allowing only 100 guests to attend each show.

The theatre program recently performed Friends Celebrating the Music of Broadway at the Lancaster Festival. It was the 10th production in collaboration with the festival.

Students in the theatre program are eager to get back on stage and perform for a live audience. Sam Beaulieu, a first-year student studying theatre, will make his debut performance in a drama on the Wagner Theatre stage.

“This theatre program and Victor Jones have been so kind to me. It’s given me a place to express myself, make a new theatre family after high school and most importantly educate myself,” Beaulieu said. “I’m very excited for ‘The Shadow Box.’ This will be my first drama on the Wagner Theatre stage and it’s the most challenging performance I’ve had, especially with fleshing out the character of Mark. Mark is very protective of his lover Brian and is extremely stand-offish when Brian’s former wife shows up to their cottage unannounced. Mark seems cold but ultimately has so much going on internally.”

OUL typically offers the Lancaster and OHIO community three to four major productions a year, including one featured during the historic Lancaster Festival.

Ohio University Lancaster’s Wagner Theatre is located at 1570 Granville Pike in Lancaster. For more information on the theater program, contact Jones at jonesv2@ohio.edu.