Soul searching the basis of ‘Man from Nebraska’

This term, MHCC’s performing arts group will present the play “Man From Nebraska,” a 2004 Pulitzer Prize finalist.

“Man From Nebraska” is about a man named Ken Carpenter who wakes up one morning to find that he no longer believes in God, and sets out to confront his new faith crisis. The character will be played by Ian Booth, an MHCC theater veteran. Carpenter leaves his wife, daughter, and Baptist family to go and journey by his lonesome. The play progresses as he wanders through London in an attempt to find what he’s looking for.

There will be 9 actors total in the play. Mt. Hood Theater Director Mace Archer said “there will probably be as many as 20 technicians who will work on the play during the rehearsal process and performances.” Besides the actors, technicians, and Archer, there will be a few others working on the play.

Daryl Harrison Carson leads the tech efforts. He also designs the lights for the show, making sure all actors have their own special spotlight. The set is designed by Tiffany Demello, a recent graduate of the program, said Archer. Current student Sarah Swislow is designing costumes for the production.

During the play the setting changes from London to the countryside of Nebraska. Archer explains the set as a series of moving panels allowing the crew to set up scenes even while other scenes are playing.

“The scenery is inspired by the raw wood of the Midwest, old barns and houses,” said Archer. Because of the moving panels, scenes will be able to take place in different parts of the theater simultaneously. “Man From Nebraska” will be in the school’s Studio Theater, which gives the play a very dramatic and intimate feeling, he said.

Archer is currently working with his students to identify major parts of the play along with searching for the best way to make the theme of the story resonate with the audience.

A special showing will be held for MHCC alumni on May 14, with other show dates being May 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m. along with May 15 at 2 p.m. in the studio theater

Door prices will be $7 for students/seniors/staff, and $5 for adults.