The Davis & Elkins College Theatre and Film Program is set to perform its fall 2021 mainstage show, Sarah Ruhl’s dramatic comedy “Eurydice.” The production runs Nov. 11, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. in Myles Center for the Arts Harper-McNeeley Auditorium on the Davis & Elkins College Campus.

“Eurydice” is D&E Theatre’s first live performance since the onset of the pandemic and it’s bringing heightened energy for the cast and crew.

“Just having live theatre back is enough to make me happy, but this group of student artists and actors has brought a very high level of work ethic, positivity and excitement to this production,” said Director and Instructor of Theatre and Film Lonnie Martin. “Everybody has been bringing their ‘A’ game and going above and beyond. It’s been an incredibly rewarding rehearsal and development process. I’m extremely proud of everybody involved. Theatre is back.”

A rendition of the Ancient Greek tale of Orpheus with contemporary twists is both heartbreaking and heartfelt while giving a fresh look at a timeless love story. Ruhl reimagined the myth through the eyes of Orpheus’ lover, Eurydice. On their wedding day, a tragedy happens and Eurydice must travel through the underworld where she is beset by a group of stones who are sticklers for the rules. There, she reunites with her father, but struggles to remember her husband.

“D&E’s ‘Eurydice’ by Sarah Ruhl is the perfect introduction back to the theatre,” said Assistant Professor of Theatre Dr. Aubrey Helene Neumann. “Equal parts bitter, sweet, creepy and funny – I’m excited that we will be able to share this production with the campus community. I appreciate the energy and dedication of both the student performers and technicians and have no doubt their hard work will make for an engaging night of theatre.”

Sophomore Kyia McGill of Buckhannon plays the title role of Eurydice and is excited to bring her talents to the D&E stage.

“Being Eurydice has been such an amazing experience for me,” McGill said. “I’ve never performed as a lead in any show before, and it’s truly been an honor to bring this character to life and share her journey. With Lonnie and Aubrey’s guidance and imagination, and the entirety of the cast’s kindness and energy, I’ve been able to grow; not only into Eurydice, but as an actress myself.”

Freshman Star Eakle of Elkins, playing “Little Stone,” has found the rehearsal environment warm and welcoming.

“As someone who has no prior experience in theater, I found this to be really fun,” Eakle said. “Everyone is so kind and supportive to one another.”

Other cast members include senior Tobias Sears of Crab Orchard as Orpheus, and freshmen Maggie Gunning of Elkins as a Mysterious Woman, Heather Humphrey of Buckhannon as Father, Nina Arbogast of Elkins as Loud Stone and MacKenzie Jones of Washington, D.C., as Big Stone.

Admission is free and donations are appreciated. For reservations, call the D&E Box Office at 304-637-1255 or visit www.showtix4u.com/events/dewv . Masks are required and socially distanced pod seating will be in effect.

Eurydice Cast Davis & Elkins College

Cast members of Eurydice are, from left, front row, Nina Arbogast, Star Eakle, Kyia McGill and Heather Humphrey; back row, Mackenzie Jones, Maggie Gunning and Tobias Sears.