The Student Theatre Activities Council (STAC) at Seton Hill University (SHU) has continued their campaign on campus this spring. On Friday, they premiered their spring production: “Edges.”
“Edges, in the simplest form, is a song cycle about life. It’s honest and real. The four characters in the show depict stories and feelings that I think people of all ages can relate to,” said junior Eric Wielock, one of the leads in the show.
Written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, this classic coming-of-age musical with four thriving leads, “Edges” aimed to not only entertain audiences, but to get them to think. Pasek and Paul, mere students at the time of the musical’s development, were recipients of the 2007 Jonathan Larson Award, which recognizes musical theatre excellence.
“The characters range into older ages as they discover what they want, what they no longer need, and ultimately what they’re meant for,” said Wielock. “There were songs about friendships, relationships (whether good or bad), siblings, dreams for the future and self-discovery.”
This student-run production starred freshman Elena Falgione, senior Megan Henderson, freshman Josh Reardon and Wielock. Director Emily Urbaniak, senior, and music director Sarah Noone, SHU alumni, led the team through late-night rehearsals, trials and successes. Many cast members were also involved in SHU’s production of “Urinetown,” which closed only a week ago.
“All cast members poured their heart and soul into every song and they all had really good chemistry with each other,” said senior theatre major Kristina Stoddart. “I also felt the whole crew as a whole really was well focused and really wanted to be there. You could tell the show really meant something to them.”
The free admission show ran Friday through Sunday in Reeves Theatre, below the library.
The goal of the STAC is to promote student-led productions, “support independent projects, and [provide] a link to Alpha Psi Omega, a national honorary society for students of theatre,” as stated on their official page.
“It’s always a pleasure to work on STAC shows and really create something beautiful with my peers. It’s been both a challenge and a fulfilling journey working on this show and I’m excited for everyone to experience it with us,” said Wielock.
Other activities within STAC are various cabarets, collaborations and performances throughout the semesters. Students led by current president, junior Bill Smolter, hold all offices involved. For more information, students can contact Smolter or other council members, or stop by one of their meetings, held every other Monday, at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) in the lobby at 5 p.m.