Now that Guys and Dolls is over, the Piedmont College Theater has been making headway on their next big show, “When She Had Wings,” written by Suzan Zeder and directed by Dr. Kathy Blandin.
“When She Had Wings” tells the story of a young girl named B, whose greatest hero is Amelia Earhart. After a series of stormy nights, B finds an odd woman in her treehouse, who can only make bird noises and say “K.H.A.Q.Q.,” the call sign of Amelia Earhart’s plane. B believes this woman, whom she calls “A,” is Amelia Earhart, who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937. Throughout the show, B tries to help A remember who she really is, hoping that A will help her remember how to fly, like she did when she was a little girl.
Piedmont’s newest show relies heavily on movement, and the actors have been getting in shape to prepare for the roles. The audience will be able to see the actors soar through the air, using silks, ropes and other means.
The show stars sophomore Marion Mealor as B. Mealor has appeared on stage before in Piedmont’s production of “Still Life with Iris” last spring, and “Guys and Dolls” earlier this semester. Junior Cheyenne Turner plays Marion’s counterpart, A. Turner has been in many productions throughout her time at Piedmont, including “Seussical” and “Six Characters in Search of an Author.”
Kathy Blandin, Director of “When She Had Wings” and assistant professor of theater at Piedmont College is excited to take on this show.
“This play is about the dream of flying, both literally and metaphorically,” she said. “The main characters dream of being airborne and feeling the wind on their skin as they move effortlessly through the clouds. There are dreams for a future where everyone gets to soar as high as their imagination can take them. This play is also about extending love, compassion and understanding to others, regardless of who they are or who they think they may be. It is about forgiving our flaws and accepting ourselves just as we are, right here and right now.”
“When She Had Wings” premieres Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Blackbox Theatre at the Swanson Center.
The show will run from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on its final day. Piedmont faculty, staff and students get to watch the performance for free.
For anyone else, tickets can be purchased for $5 each here.
