Playmakers open 2024-2025 season with thoughts and thrills

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Playmakers will begin their 2024-2025 season with two exciting productions: “What the Constitution Means to Me” and “The Addams Family.”

“What the Constitution Means to Me,” written by Heidi Schreck, will run from September 20-22. In this play, Schreck traces the journey of her 15-year-old self, who earns her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. She explores the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives, challenging the Constitution's limitations while celebrating its promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“I am excited and grateful for the chance to play the role of Heidi Schreck and to collaborate with such talented colleagues,” shared Lindsay Weitkamp, Ph.D., theatre professor and Playmakers advisor. “Each rehearsal is a reminder of how much I love being part of a creative team that supports and inspires one another. I can’t wait to share this piece with the community during this important election year."

The production is part of Bears Engage 2024: Democracy and Dialogue, a university initiative aimed at fostering a non-partisan discussion on civic engagement. The performance is supported by Arts Culture Catawba through the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc., “What the Constitution Means to Me” is an Obie Award winner and recipient of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best American Play. It was also nominated for two Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize.

“The Addams Family” will run from October 31 to November 3 and again from November 8 to 10. This spooktacular musical, with a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, invites us into the world of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley and the entire kooky clan.

The story centers on Wednesday’s romantic involvement with a “normal” boy from Ohio and the hilarious clash that ensues when the two families meet. The production promises laughter and many heartwarming moments as the Addams family confronts the challenge of embracing change.

“The Addams Family” is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Tickets
General admission for “What the Constitution Means to Me” is $10, and $15 for “The Addams Family.” Both productions are free with any student ID.

Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.lr.edu.