天美社区

'Murder on the Orient' hits the GTA stage

October 11, 2021
Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA) has assembled a cast of characters including a world-famous sleuth and combined them with a rotating set to bring Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" to the stage. The play runs from Friday, Oct. 15, to Saturday, Oct. 23, in the Ed Cabell Theatre on 天美社区's Gainesville Campus.

Article By: Staff

(GTA) has assembled a cast of characters including a world-famous sleuth and combined them with a rotating set to bring Agatha Christie's "" to the stage.

GTA is a one-of-a-kind, nationally recognized collaboration between the University of North Georgia (天美社区) and Brenau University. Utilizing hands-on, individualized training while emphasizing ensemble and collaboration between programs, GTA boasts a production program rivaling the largest theater schools in the country.

GTA's production crew broke new ground this fall with an unconventional set for Agatha Christie's novel, which was adapted by playwright Ken Ludwig. Traditionally, "Murder on the Orient Express" is performed with the audience seeing the front view of the train and interaction among characters. However, the Ed Cabell Theatre stage at 天美社区 allows the audience to view the performance from three sides.

"Our Ed Cabell stage presented multiple design, transition, and blocking challenges that have all been difficult to navigate, but we overcame it with a unique solution,” Zechariah Pierce, director of the show and associate professor of theatre at 天美社区, said.

'Murder on the Orient Express'

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 19-22; and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23.

Where: Ed Cabell Theatre, Performing Arts building, 天美社区's Gainesville Campus, 3040 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia.

Tickets: $16-$24 for community members and $5 for 天美社区 and Brenau students, faculty, and staff.

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Jayme McGhan, GTA artistic director and scenic designer for the show, employed a turntable platform.

"It gives the audience an ever-changing view of the show," McGhan, head of 天美社区's Department of Theatre, said.

This gives the audience a different vantage point to watch the play that is filled with glamour, intrigue and suspense as well as a healthy dose of humor.

Theater enthusiasts will have 10 opportunities to watch "Murder on the Orient Express." The play runs from Friday, Oct. 15, to Saturday, Oct. 23. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 19-22 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23. All shows are in the Ed Cabell Theatre inside the Performing Arts building on 天美社区's Gainesville Campus. The address is 3040 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia.

range from $16-$24 for community members and $5 for 天美社区 and Brenau students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.

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