October 12, 2005 Source: Trinity Western University: http://www.twu.ca/news/view-specific.aspx?newsID=443 TWU Drama Presents: As It Is In Heaven, by Arlene Hutton Langley, B.C.—When newcomer Fanny claims to see angels in the meadow, life in the peaceful Shaker settlement of Pleasant Hill is turned upside-down. Such is the backdrop for Arlene Hutton's musical drama, As It Is In Heaven, which opens the fall theatre season at Trinity Western University. The play is a celebration of community that's both timely and moving. The Shakers are a utopian religious sect that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. Best known for their simple, beautiful furniture, they established celibate communities based on the values of equality, simplicity and peace. In Hutton's play, Fanny's visions of angels stir curiosity and other young women begin to have ecstatic experiences. But community leaders question Fanny's sincerity, and Eldress Hannah finds she must struggle to maintain tradition among the faithful. "The issues in this play are not just historical, they are human," says director and TWU drama professor, Angela Konrad. "As the community becomes polarized, the conflicts are strikingly familiar—the struggle between the establishment and those who desire change, the struggle between formal religion and direct experience of God, and in all cases, our readiness to judge others who see things differently." Woven through the play are more than a dozen Shaker songs and several set-pattern dances, typical of life in Shaker communities. The nine women in the play live out the Shaker motto "Hands to work, hearts to God," filling their days with hard work, singing and good food. "Each role is a challenge," says Konrad. "To find a play with nine strong roles for women is unusual. To also have a chance to sing and dance is a real delight."
The Trinity Western production features performances by Laura Van Dyke as Fanny and Candice Lindsay as Eldress Hannah. The all-female cast also includes Rachel Blair, Michelle Grube, Rebecca Branscom, Shay McCleary, Amanda Hart, Jordaan Montes and Jackie Faulkner. The production transports the audience to the simple Shaker lifestyle—with authentic dresses by costume designer Nicole Bach, an expressive set by designer Aaron Caleb, and evocative lighting design by Michael Dickinson. As It Is In Heaven runs Wednesday to Saturday, October 26 to 29, and November 2 to 5 at 8 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. The theatre is located in Freedom Hall of the Robert N. Thompson building on the campus of Trinity Western University (7600 Glover Road in Langley). Tickets are $5 to $12, and are available through the University Bookstore (604-513-2005) or at the door. For more information, contact drama@twu.ca University Communications
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