SLU’s Theatre department is gearing up for its last production of the semester. This time, they take us back to the 17th century for “Vinegar Tom.”
Written by Caryl Churchill, best known for “Cloud Nine,” “Vinegar Tom” tells the story of Alice and Joan who live in a small village in England. After a hijinx on their neighbors’ farm, Alice and Joan are accused of practicing witchcraft.
Written in the mid-’70s, “Vinegar Tom” deals with women’s rights issues as Churchill saw them at the time. Over time, the play has become a favorite for university theaters.
Director Tom Martin said that he and his colleagues selected the play for its “political stance and casting opportunities,” as well as its author.
“[Churchill] is one of the lionesses of our stage,” Martin said. “One could make the case that she is one of the greatest living English playwrights.”
The play uses epic theater techniques from Bertolt Brecht, such as the use of songs, to tell its story. “Vinegar Tom,” like most of Churchill’s work, is concerned with structures of power and discrimination against women. The play gets its name from Joan’s cat, who may have more than a paw in the supernatural occurrences.
SLU’s production stars Daniel Blackwell, Greg Cuellar, Joe Denk, Gabrielle Greer, Katy Keating, Tyler Linke, Kara McLaughlin, Ryan Natalino, Kyle Powell, Taylor Steward and Alyssa Ward.
In addition, Theatre student Kristin McGuire wrote and adapted some of the music, and gathered an all-women chorus to perform during the play. The music constitutes a sort of Greek chorus that comments on the play from a modern perspective.
It is this unique approach to the music, among other things, that sets this play apart from others.
Martin encourages students to support the show and “to celebrate the talent of your fellow classmates. The acting is a challenge, but the students have hiked up the mountain. It’s a gigantic story.”
This production culminates and concludes SLU’s theater season, which included mostly comedies. The year kicked off with “The Secret in the Wings.” Next was Noel Coward’s farce “Blithe Spirit.” Then came the quirky, macabre musical “Bat Boy.”
“Vinegar Tom” premieres Friday, April 27 at 8 p.m. It repeats on Saturday, April 28, Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, all at 8 p.m. The final show is on Sunday, May 6 with a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets for students are $7.
