The first Theatre USA production of the 2024-2025 school year is here! Students and faculty have been working hard to present “The Giver” adapted by Eric Coble from the Newbery Award-winning book by Lois Lowry. Performances open Thursday, Sept. 25. 

“The Giver” is set in a perfect utopian world where there is no fear or pain. However, there is also no choice and emotion either. Everything is safely controlled through a system where citizens are assigned a role when they turn 12 years old. Jonas has been chosen for special training to become The Giver, where he will be the keeper of memories. Watch as Jonas learns the truth about life–real pain and joy. 

In this dystopian tale, directed by Eric Browne, the audience is invited to discover with Jonas what it means to grow up, grow wise, and take control of your own destiny. Shadow and light help illuminate the story, with panels of muslin fabric portraying scenes through silhouette, lit by lighting and special effects designer Wes Genard, and developed by set designer Zach Gibson. The immersive costumes are designed by Christina Johnson.

Jonas is performed by Caden Crenshaw in his first lead role with Theatre USA. Jonas’s family are portrayed by Allison Brown, Ari Theodore, and Rae Phillips. Alex Allen and Macie Williams play Jonas’s friends, Asher and Fiona, respectively. Chief Elder will be played by Asia Keeling-Reeves, and Larissa will be played by Tenya Brown Boyd. Trevor Miller will portray the titular character of The Giver. 

Ensemble cast includes Alishaba Arif-Sultan, Asia Keeling, Devin Mosely, Psi Corley, Tenya Brown Boyd, and Will Flynn. The ensemble cast is indispensably dynamic, being utilized to creatively execute the special effects that drive the narrative forward in addition to helping create Jonas’s world. 

Performances will take place at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center from Sept. 25-29. Each show will begin at 7:30 p.m., except for the Sept. 29 show, which will begin at 2 p.m. The run time is approximately 90 minutes, with one 15 minute intermission. 

The Laidlaw ticket booth is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Tickets may also be purchased one hour before the show begins. For additional ticketing information, call 251-460-6303.

Theatre USA’s next production for the fall semester is “The Dining Room” by A.R. Gurney, with performances taking place Nov. 13-17. The production line up for the spring semester includes “Winners” by Brian Friel and “A Comedy of Errors” by William Shakespeare. Follow @usatheatreanddance on Instagram to stay up to date on Theatre USA’s performances and behind the scenes content.