Arcadia University Theater Helms American Classic “Picnic”

By Caitlin Burns | October 27, 2016

Arcadia University continues its 2016-17 season with William Inge’s Picnic, performed at Arcadia’s Little Theatre from Nov. 10 to 20. This 1953 Pulitzer Prize winning play examines the loneliness and longing of women in a Midwestern town over a Labor Day weekend when a charismatic drifter shows them what they are missing.

Picnic is directed by Kathryn Petersen, Arcadia University professor and resident playwright of People’s Light Theatre, with Macie Poskarbiewicz ’18 serving as assistant director.

“Working with Kathryn has been great,” said actor Isabelle Sacks ’18. “She’s helped guide us into really deep and wonderful places within each of our characters.”

In addition to Sacks, the production features Wilfredo Amill ’18, Kevin McCann ’19, Alec Cuthbert ’19, CJ Knorr ’20, Hayley Ellison ’20, Sidney Shaulis ’17, Olivia Gendron ’19, Samantha Cole ’18, Chrissy Healey ’18, and Sarah King ’17.

“Even though the play was written decades ago, and the character was written for someone much different than me, with Kathryn’s directing I’ve been able find a deep connection with my character,” Amill said.

The set is designed by Rob Napoli, managing director of Theater Arts, with lights by Barrymore Award winner Joshua Schulman, adjunct professor of Theater Arts. The show is sound designed by 2016 Barrymore nominee Damien Figueras ’16. Costumes are designed by Robin Shane, adjunct professor of Theater Arts, and choreography is by Janet Pila, adjunct professor of Theater Arts.

Tickets cost $10-$15. Tickets are available online or by phone at 215-572-2112.