SE musical set in 286 A.D.
by Brittany Utley
reporter
Philemon, opening next week in the Roberson Theatre on SE Campus, is a first for some actors with no musical experience.
Written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, Philemon takes place during 286 A.D. in Antioch. During this time, the Romans were greatly persecuting Christians, the focus of much of the play.
The unfortunate Cockian, a clown, encounters a rigid commander who believes Cockian should be put to death. But the commander likes him and offers a chance to save his life. He must impersonate a missing Christian leader, Philemon, to help the Roman soldiers find and execute Christians.
Cockian reluctantly agrees, but begins to empathize with the persecuted. Cockian takes on the persona and personality of Philemon, becoming filled with love and hope for a humane world. In the end, he earns his redemption although he loses his earthly life.
The cast has worked weeks to prepare for the April 28 opening.
SE theater director John Dement has double cast some of characters, who will be played by different actors in alternating performances.
The same actors will play the four male roles throughout the run. Nathan Autrey portrays Cockian; Clemente Schaller, the commander; Greg Wilson, Andos, a prisoner; and Brad DeBorde, Servillus, the commander adjunct.
The majority of the cast members also form the chorus.
The audience might view this as a religious play, but with the play’s R rating, lead actor Autrey believes it has a religious under theme but is not built on religion.
Peggy Beggs, who portrays the woman/wife, think the production will impact the audience.
“ This play has a good message and a deep meaning, but at the same time is not afraid to get dirty and in your face. There are parts that might just even shock the audience,” she said.
Schaller had mixed emotions when he first read the script.
“ The play really grew on me. I wasn’t sure what it was going to be like at first, but then it worked for me,” he said.
Cast members think the chemistry among them helps the play.
“ We have been in class together all semester, so we had a chance to get to know each other before the play started. We could hang out and have fun outside of school,” Genevieve Croft, who shares the wife role, said.
The actors said they enjoyed their parts because they were able to play characters that were not like themselves in real life.
Katie Daley plays Kiki, the female acting partner of Cockian. She and Mallory Brady alternate in the role of Cockian's sometime love but ultimate betrayer.
“ I have to be very bitter and mad at guys, so it gives me a chance to vent without making anyone get really mad at me,” Daley said.
The musical runs Wednesday-Saturday, April 28-May 1, at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees Friday and Saturday.
Tickets are $5 for general admission, $3 for non-TCC students and seniors and free for TCC students, faculty and staff with an I.D.
Last Updated: 4/21/2004
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