University Drama Ministry Stages the Contemporary Musical Edges This Week

April 06, 2010

The performance run coincides with Homecoming 2010 activities scheduled for alumni this weekend, but the general public is also invited to attend.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, and Friday, April 9. An afternoon performance at 2 and an evening performance at 7 are scheduled for Saturday, April 10. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Saint Leo University students will be admitted for free with university IDs. The Marmion Center is at the west end of campus, which is located at 33701 State Road 52, in the town of Saint Leo, four miles east of Interstate 75 (exit 285). Tickets will be available at the door, but can also be reserved in advance by calling (352) 588-8331 on weekdays.

Edges relates the individual stories of two men and two women, completely in song. The characters’ names are never revealed, making their experiences more universal. Melissa Hollis, Saint Leo director of music and drama ministry, said each of the four have to work through the personal questions: “Who am I, and who do I want to become? They figure that out through their relationships.”

This musical is highly relevant to the current generation of college students, Hollis said, noting it even includes a song about the social networking site Facebook.

Edges was created by two University of Michigan students, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, in 2007. It premiered at its first professional venue, the Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, N.Y.,later that year to enthusiastic reviews. The work has since been performed by a mix of professional companies and college theaters across the country. The content is considered suitable for teens, with parental guidance suggested for younger teens. The performance lasts about an hour and forty minutes.

The Saint Leo cast consists of students Amy Persaud, Jeremy Valdes, Anna Robinson, and Adam Wethington, pictured above, from left to right. The cast is directed by Hollis.