ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University Theatre Program will present the original play "The Canonized Club: The Curious Lives & Deaths of the Saints" later this month in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater.
Performances will run at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 and 26 as well as at 3 p.m. on Aug. 27.
This original comedy by local playwright Deena M. P. Ronayne explores what happens when a defiant Pope Paul VI decides to “downsize” the number of saints. Following his papal pronouncement, all hell breaks lose in heaven when saints like St. Patrick, St. Bernadette, and St. Anthony fight to retain their sainthood—and perks thereof. The satirical look at the sainthood is inspired by actual stories of many canonized saints.
“This is the kind of theatre that I love doing,” said Director Kane Anderson, assistant professor of acting and directing, who co-led the trip and production with Noah J. Files, assistant professor of theatre design. “Developing a new work and touring it abroad is an exciting showcase for both Northern’s talented students and our Aberdeen-area playwright. And certainly, producing an original show that essentially has to fit in a few suitcases has been a compelling challenge. I’m proud of what we’ve built together.”
“The Canonized Club” is a collaboration between Northern Theatre and Hardly Working Promotions. The workshop production debuted Aug. 4-8 at the famed Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, and the participating students all traveled to the United Kingdom as part of a study abroad course. The actors rehearsed the show in a tight two-week rehearsal period at Northern before leaving.
“Working on the show and touring Scotland has been amazing,” said actor Reese Uecker, a senior theatre major from Huron. He portrays a humorous take on a St. Patrick who is obsessed with his own brand. “Seeing a work come together from nothing, performing at EdFringe and even standing on the shore of Scotland—every step of this process has been a great opportunity,” he said.
This production was made possible by the generosity of donors of GiveNDay who supported the show as a featured project, other local donors and the Northern School of Fine Arts.
“Doing work like this is risky and without the ‘saintly’ kindness of others, the whole production wouldn’t be possible,” Anderson said. “We are truly thankful to share our work abroad and back home in Aberdeen.”
Northern Theatre’s “The Canonized Club: The Curious Lives & Deaths of the Saints” is an irreverent comedy. Anderson advises that the show includes brief moments of adult language and “some mild Catholicism.” The play is performed without an intermission.
Among the artistic staff of Northern’s Theatre Program are Dr. Kane Anderson, assistant professor of acting and directing; Noah J. Files, assistant professor of theatre design; and Brian Omland, production manager for the School of Fine Arts. Omland also designs the lighting for this production.
Ticket Information
All tickets to “The Canonized Club: The Curious Lives & Deaths of the Saints” are general admission and will be available at the door. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and NSU faculty/staff. Students will be admitted for free. Payment will be cash or check only; debit or credit cards will not be accepted. There will be no advance or online ticket sales. For more information, contact the NSU School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.