Utah State University Steps on a Crack at the Caine Lyric Theatre
The Department of Theatre Arts at Utah State University presents Step on a Crack, a play by Suzan Zeder, in several public performances in addition to select performances for young audiences.
Public performances begin Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Caine Lyric Theatre.
“We are delighted USU will be re-introducing theater for young audiences this season with Step on a Crack, said Matt Omasta, director of the play and faculty member in USU’s Department of Theatre. “Thanks to the generous support of the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation – Russell Family, we are able to provide private showings and transportation to the production for several local schools.”
Step on a Crack follows the story of a young girl named Ellie Murphy who lived happily with her widowed father, Max, until he marries Lucille, who becomes Ellie’s stepmother. Ellie turns to her imaginary friends, Lana and Frizbee, to escape real-life problems. Ellie’s trials, through imagination, lead her to discovering what it’s like to really be alone and Ellie begins to come to terms with herself and her need for a mother.
“My favorite part of Step on a Crack would have to be Ellie's imaginary world she creates for herself in the play,” said Jason West, USU junior majoring in theater education who plays Max Murphy. “I believe many children who have been through something hard often find themselves in their own little world in search of comfort they can't get elsewhere.”
The director said the production speaks to everyone.
“The play, which presents the story of a young girl learning to overcome challenges in her personal life and, more importantly, to conquer her own internal fears and struggles, speaks not only to young people but to people of all ages who will attend the performance,” Omasta said.
Tori Benson, a USU sophomore majoring in theater education, plays Ellie Murphy.
“Step on a Crack is hilarious,” Benson said. “It’s also clever, witty and sends a great message to the audience in a creative and fun way. I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
The cast also includes Ashley Underwood, who plays the Voice, Colton Iverson and Jessica Jackson who play Ellie’s imaginary friends, Frizbee and Lana, and Meg Campbell who portrays Ellie’s stepmother, Lucille.
Public performances of Step on a Crack are Oct. 14 and 15 at the Caine Lyric Theatre, located on 28 W. Center St. in Logan. A 2 p.m. matinee is also offered Saturday, Oct. 15.
Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and youth, $8 for USU faculty and staff and free for USU students with ID. For more information and tickets visit the CCA Box Office located in room 139-B of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call 435-797-8022 or online (arts.usu.edu).
Step on a Crack is rated E for Everyone by the Caine College of the Arts.
Related links:
Writer: Rachelle Nielson, 435-797-9203, rachelle.nielson@usu.edu
Contact: Denise Albiston, 435-797-1500, denise.albiston@usu.edu
'Step on a Crack' is presented by USU’s Theatre Arts Department Oct. 14 and 15 at the Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan.
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