NGU Senior Veronica Rogers to Direct ‘The Good Doctor’
Posted on: February 4, 2022
Tigerville, SC (February 4, 2022) The North Greenville University (NGU) School of Theatre presents a comedy with music by Neil Simon and Russian author and playwright Anton Chekhov that turns charming, hilarious, sad, and touching.
“The Good Doctor” exposes the ridiculous, tender, outlandish, ludicrous, innocent, and weird frailties of human beings. Each scene tells its own story, but the characters’ behavior and the resolutions of their stories are not typical and predictable. Simon’s wit and pity dialogue embellished a strong sense of Chekhov’s take on the human condition.
The director for the show is NGU theatre major Veronica Rogers (expected’ 22) from Taylors as her senior project. Theatre majors must complete a senior project, but not all request to direct a main stage show.
“I discussed the possibility of directing for my senior project—she [Amy Dunlap, associate dean for the School of the Arts] gave me a copy to read. The odd yet compelling script sold me over,” Rogers said.
Rehearsals began before winter break and resumed four times a week since January 10.
Her cast includes NGU alumnus Wyatt Duncan (‘ 21), Kara Hayes (expected’ 22), JP Waynick (expected’ 23), Abigail Dover (expected’ 23), and NGU staff member Dylan Thompson.
“It is a joy to have alumnus Wyatt Duncan join our production. As an actor in the local Greenville area, it speaks profoundly of the relationship that Amy and the other wonderful department faculty members cultivate with the theatre students,” said Rogers.
The NGU community will recognize Duncan from the role of Charlie Brown or Polonius in the spring of 2021.
“Many students will also recognize Kara Hayes from her captivating performance as Eurydice in this past fall’s production of the same name,” said Rogers. “In addition to acting, Kara has run shows from ‘behind the scenes’ as a stage manager. Having her involved as a fellow senior in this project is something I am very grateful for.”
Unlike most plays, this show has one musical number – “a simple, stripped-down ballad between two potential lovers.”
“I hesitate to share more in fear of giving it away entirely, but this moment is one of my favorites in the play,” Rogers said.
She said Alyse Barrett (expected’ 25), a freshman music major, “is my incredible musical director.”
Rogers hopes that audiences can not only laugh at the absurdities of life but ultimately find comfort in our shared human hurts and joys. Time is a thief, but our unique humanity is a gift.
Her inspiration Bible verse for this production is Ecclesiastes 3:12-13. “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
The production takes place in a “theatre in the round” experience. The audience surrounds the stage – creating a very intimate performance. There’s no place for actors to hide, and it allows the opportunity to experience a broader perspective of the show every night.
The show runs Feb. 17-19 and Feb. 24-26, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Billingsley Theatre. Tickets are available for purchase online or by contacting the Billingsley Theatre Box Office at 864.977.7085. Parental Advisory: Play contains adult content and may not be suitable for children.
Check out more information about other theatre productions this spring.
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