Trinity Theater Presents ​"​Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play"​

Photo caption: The stage of Mr. Burns. 

(Photo by Breton Smith)

By Breton Smith

Trinity Theater’s new production, “Mr. Burns, A Post-electric Play,” had its fourth run
​​last night.

The play is based on Anne Washburn’s imaginative dark comedy that deals with the survivors in a post apocalyptic world, who pass time by re-enacting old Simpsons episodes from memory.
​
Right before the play started, the cast members ​gathered ​on ​stage,​ completely shrouded in darkness. The only source of light ​was a fake ​campfire the actors huddle around. ​Recent pop music ​filled the theater.

While there are some serious moments, the play is more of a comedy. The acting, lighting, music and props all combined to create a humorous and electric atmosphere that wowed the audience, leaving them laughing and entertained.

Diane Riddle, a senior mathematical finance major, said she was surprised to find out the play was a comedy. “While the whole play could have been rather depressing, it was actually really funny and entertaining.”

The director of the play, Rachel Joseph, ​​a faculty member in the Department of Human Communication and Theatre, ​​said the play is centered on the idea that people can use art and theater to help deal with traumatic events. “I want people to take away that we need art, we need theater, we need to carry our stories to help us heal after trauma,” said Joseph. “In a funny way it seems like theater can save the world in this play.”

“Mr. Burns” is Joseph’s fourth play directing with Trinity Theater. “I’ve never directed a play that had a big musical element before and the third act is completely a musical,” she said.

The play has three different acts and each act is like a completely different play, which is unique compared to other Trinity Theater productions. As such, the play was a demanding production. “It has been a huge challenge but really wonderful to work on,” Joseph said.

Nico Champion, who plays Gibson in the first two acts and Mr. Burns in the final act, described the play as a combination of previous Trinity plays. “It’s like a conglomeration of all the ones that I’ve done in the past because there is acting, music, and some choreography,” said Champion, a junior majoring in theater and human communication. “It’s sort of more of a spectacle than any kind of straight plays I’ve done in the past.”

Steven Owen, 25, a theater major who is in the third chorus, stated that the third act paid “homage to ancient Greek theater, which is why the chorus is there.” However, “the show itself was written much more recent and so it involves a lot more pop-culture, which makes for an interesting differentiation,” he said.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, faculty, staff, and alumni, and $6 for students. Three more performances will happen tonight, Friday, and Saturday.