University of Houston

Directing II

The

Shadow

by Michael Cristofer

Box

Notice

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS ON ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://shop.samuelfrench.com/content/files/pdf/piracy-whitepaper.pdf

What is being presented is not the play in its entirety and that substantial parts of the play, including several characters are being eliminated.

“The Shadow Box” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Directors Note

Many people that are familiar with The Shadow Box say that this is a play about death, yet no one dies on stage. I however believe that this play is not about death itself, but rather the grief we feel when dealing with death. The people in this play are not only dealing with death, but the thought of death, which manifestations in different ways to different people.

During the rehearsal process I allowed the cast to explore which stage of grief each one of their characters are going through, and how that grief reveals itself.

Our main characters Joe and Brian are terminally ill and although they do not know the day they will die, death is looming over their heads. Their families have come to stay in a cabin that has been provided to them by the hospital caring for them.

Due to the extensive cutting required to shorten the play an important foundational aspect has been excluded from this production. What will be shown today are two of the three families from the script that are housed in the same cabin at two different times by the hospice facility.

Who's who

Director

Erin Lamb

Erin Lamb is a Junior Theatre Education Major at the University and is extremely excited to have produced this beautiful script. This is Erin's first full length one act to direct. Erin has had a bountiful experience on the stage, and was last seen on the Wortham stage in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead as Musician and Pirate, and Animal Farm as Muriel. Erin would like to thank her husband Joey Lamb for his un-relinquishing support through all her endeavors.

Joe

Tristan McNelly

Tristan McNelly is a second year acting major, who is super excited to be a part of this student
production of Shadow Box. He would also like to thank everyone who has spent time come and see the
production, you guys rock! Also he would not complain if anyone who comes brought roses and pizza!

Maggie

Brenda Palestina

Brenda Palestina is a first year undergraduate student at UH in the acting program. She was
most recently seen at UH as Anfisa in Three Sisters. Before that, her favorite roles include Tess
in Blue Stockings and Henrietta in Silent Sky. In her free time, Brenda likes to hang out with her
friends, is really good at puzzles, and drinks lots of coffee.

Steven

Bryan Rivera

Bryan is currently a Freshman at the University of Houston going for my B.F.A in Theatre Education. He is so excited to have been able to work on this show with a lovely cast and director. Recently Bryan has worked on A Flea in Her Ear as an electrician and Assistant Stage Manager for Into The Woods. He has been seen in shows such as; One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest as Ruckley, Peter and the Starcatcher as Captain Scott, and The Servant of Two Masters as Brighella. he is excited to be appearing in Shadow Box and to share this story to everyone.

Brian

Alex Kerry

Alex is a freshman Political Science Major And is excited for you to see this great show! Other roles Alex has portrayed are “Melchior Gabor” in Spring Awakening, “Bobby Hernandez” in Living Out, and “Gomez Addams” in the Addams Family. Alex thanks you for taking time to see this important show and sincerely hopes you enjoy it!

Mark

Colton Johnson

Colton Johnson is a freshman BFA acting major at the University of Houston. He most recently was seen in the UH production of Three Sisters as Fedotik, Oklahoma! as Ali Hakim, and Chemical Imbalance as Xavier. He is excited to continue his time here at UH and hopes to continue to grow as an actor and a person.

Beverly

Keri Szeklinski

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