“Theater is a collaborative setting”: Student-run production to open

Dawsyn Wilson - Editor in Chief

The 2025-2026 season for Monmouth College’s theatre department kicks off this weekend in the Hewes Studio Theatre. Student-directed “Marisol” opens September 26 at 7:30 pm.

“Marisol” follows Marisol Perez, a 26-year-old Latina woman who lives in New York City. Calista Lythgoe, the actor playing Marisol, said: “As someone who is Puerto Rican and Cuban, I was excited to work on a production that stars a Latina woman.”

José Rivera, the playwright, wrote the play in the tradition of the Theatre of the Absurd. The story follows its own rules, even if it may seem odd and ridiculous to the audience. Its absurdity adds a creative layer to its themes.

“Reading through a script and seeing all the crazy things that happen in it can be daunting, but theater is a collaborative setting,” said IV Johnson, the production’s scenic director. “With enough heads put together, any idea can be made real on stage.”

The production ran differently from previous shows. “Marisol” is a student-run production, spearheaded by student director Edrass Chávez-Alvarado. “This is my second production where I have worked with a student director; it is always a fun experience, as both the director and the actors are figuring out the piece together,” said Lythgoe.

While a lot of time and hard work went into “Marisol”, the cast and crew had fun too. “I love the sort of ‘blooper’ type moments that occur in the beginning and middle stage of the production,” said Ryan Ulrich, the production’s stage manager. “Those moments sort of remind you why you’re all here, to have fun, and create an entertaining experience for the cast, crew, and audience.”

You can purchase tickets at http://www.purplepass.com/mcmarisol. “Marisol” performances are on Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, at 7:30 pm, and 2 pm on Sunday, September 28.

Abby Zayas smashing pumpkins and melons to create sound effects. Photo by: Edrass Chávez-Alvarado.