‘Melancholy Play’ gives whimsical look at sadness

Bonus Loessin Playhouse production runs Oct. 23-26

The new East Carolina University production of “Melancholy Play” is anything but, with a whimsical story performed in an intimate stage setting, and even some laughs.

A cast of six performs the play by Sarah Ruhl this weekend in the Burnette Studio Theatre at Messick Theatre Arts Center, bringing audiences close to the fun. See this School of Theatre and Dance (SOTD) Loessin Playhouse bonus production at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 23-25 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Tickets are available online or at 252-328-6829.

A small production gives students the chance to multi-hyphenate and form a close ensemble; director and associate professor Dr. Jen-Scott Mobley said a number of the actors are playing additional roles, like lighting designer and stage manager. This is an experience Mobley likes to give students because, other than musicals, many shows are produced on a smaller scale; the SOTD studio theatre is similar in size to many regional spaces where students might perform next.

“There’s a level of no faking it that happens when you can literally, accidentally trip on a patron’s purse,” Mobley said. “It adds a lot of fun, too. It really encourages the audience to feel like part of the storytelling, and for the actors to embrace them in that way.”

In this story, the character Tilly charms everyone around her with her unique view of the world through her sadness. To prepare for the role, acting junior Anna Speakmon wanted to choose a definition for “melancholy” that she would use throughout, settling on “finding the beauty within sadness.” She connected with the role of Tilly right away.

“Tilly is completely honest with her feelings and expresses herself freely, and I think that’s beautiful,” Speakmon said. “I don’t think she’s actively trying to be appealing or sexy; it’s something that happens naturally for her.

“Tilly thinks about how rain sticks to flowers, and the different words for melancholy. She isn’t completely sad or even depressed; she’s simply melancholic.”

Another unique aspect to the play is that the character Julian plays cello live throughout the play, both observing and participating in the plot. This is a first for Mobley, and for the actor — School of Music alum Nicholas Fullenwider ’20. Fullenwider connected with Mobley through violin teacher and fellow performer Kenjo Fujii.

Fullenwider, who earned his degree in cello performance, teaches private lessons and works with several local orchestra and theater groups. He performed three seasons with the Pitt Community College Symphony Orchestra, and is working on “Oliver!” in November with StageStruck in Goldsboro.

For Julian, Fullenwider was able to choose the music he plays, including a few original tunes. He described Julian as outside the main characters, sitting on the “fourth wall” of the theater.

“I don’t think he’s omniscient, just that he has a more forest-centered view, while everyone else is staring at trees,” Fullenwider said. “From that different perspective I think Julian tries to communicate with the characters in his own way.”

The 90-minute performance is full of fun and funny dialogue, and honest thoughts, like Tilly’s line, “People wear sweatpants when they’re sad in private, not pearls.” Mobley and the cast hope audiences enjoy the fun and celebration,

“It’s a lot of fun,” Mobley said. “This play has a lot of joy, and celebration, and silliness,” as well as a message about supporting your loved ones, especially if they are stuck in melancholy.

Above right: SOTD junior Anna Speakmon as Tilly.
Left: Alum Nicholas Fullenwider ’20 as Julian.