Troy University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present its first play of the season, “The Diviners,” beginning Nov. 3 until Nov. 12 in the Trojan Center Theater.
Written by Jim Leonard, Jr., “The Diviners” is a magical, mystical folktale that takes place in the fictional town of Zion, Indiana during the 1930s/Great Depression era, and features Buddy Layman, played by Jamie Bishop, and C.C. Showers, played by Reese Lemaster.
Buddy, an emotionally traumatized boy of 14, is terrified of water because of an accident in which he almost drowned and his mother died. C.C. Showers, a former pastor, is determined to help Buddy overcome his fear, process the trauma and move on. Showers’ efforts lead to unintended, life-changing consequences.
“’The Diviners’ is a classic tale that has been delighting audiences for about 40 years. Our department has been hard at work bringing this play to life since the end of the spring semester,” said Director Quinton Cockrell, Assistant Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. “Play production requires many hours of evening and weekend rehearsals for the student actors. Also, there is a great deal of hard work that goes on behind the scenes on scenery, costumes, lighting and sound.”
In addition to Buddy and C.C., audiences will also get to meet Jennie Mae and Ferris Layman, Buddy’s sister and father, played by Riley Tuberville and John Ingram.
The show premieres on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. with additional showings on Nov. 4, 9, 10 and 11 also at 7 p.m. Matinee showings will be held Nov. 5 and 12 at 2:30 p.m.
“I hope Troy audiences will join us for ‘The Diviners,’” Cockrell said. “The play transports us to a different time and place. It is magical and mystical, but is based in a very recognizable reality.”
Tickets can be purchased online at www.troy.edu/theatreanddance or at the Trojan Center Box Office by Barnes & Noble. General admission tickets are $10, and student tickets are $5. Student tickets must be purchased in person with a student ID.
For more information, call 334-808-6142 or email theatreanddance@troy.edu.
