MUNCIE, Ind. — ALL ABOARD THE WEST WIND! Join the cast of the Muncie Civic’s West Wind as they take you on a transcontinental journey in 1908. The family-friendly comedy has 9 actors and one constantly changing set piece, a train car.
“Can we make the whole thing happen on a transcontinental train journey in 1908? from Chicago to San Francisco, and what would that look like? And you've got the main car to play in, and then the end platforms on either side of the train that they can play,” said Co-writer and Co-Director, John Marsh.
John and Jenni Marsh are a local playwriting and directing duo. Some of their past works include Fixing Up and the Cats Pajamas. The West Wind is their 3rd play and its being debuted in the Casazza Family Studio Theatre at Muncie Civic.
“There is something very special about being able to do something that's new. Like this is the first debut performance of this show written by the directors as well. And I... like being able to be the most extreme version of myself,” said Stephen Hamilton, who plays Benowitz in the West Wind.
Although this is built to be a comedy, the play has an undertone of something a little deeper.
“It has a lot of heart to it. There are people going through some really painful and challenging situations, and the humor is right alongside some of that drama,” said Co-Director and Co-Writer, Jenni Marsh.
The Muncie Civic has been supporting local artists and playwrights since 1931. The West Wind, Hello Dolly, and the many other shows happening this year make up its 94th season.
“We are very grateful for Muncie’s attention to arts and culture. Art and culture create greater empathy and understanding of the human condition and relationships, and the more you expose yourself to stories and culture, the more empathy you have,” said Jenni Marsh.
Tickets for the closing weekend are still available on Muncie Civic’s website.
Contact Abby Urban with comments at abigail.urban@bsu.edu.
