'Invincible Summer'

The Department of Theatre presents "Invincible Summer."

Notice: this information is for a past event.
Location:
Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts - Hylbert Family Studio
Ticket Info:
This is a ticketed event.
Questions:
"Invincible Summer"

“Invincible Summer”

  • Written by Directed by Dr. Cheryl McFarren 
  • Adapted from novel Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns 
  • Abbey Lynn Smith, Scenic and Projection Designer 
  • Camille Lerner, Costume Designer 
  • Kathy Peter, Lighting Designer 
  • Catherine Rinella, Sound Designer 
  • Avery Sheltraw, Puppet Design and Fabrication 
  • Rowena Liu, Puppet Design and Fabrication 
  • Aretta Baumgartner, Puppetry Coach and Consultant 
  • Kylie Reed ‘27, Stage Manager 
  • Ava de la Cruz ‘28, Assistant Stage Manager

In “Invincible Summer,” created by director Cheryl McFarren, Olive Ann Burns, author of the beloved Southern novel, “Cold Sassy Tree,” joins our 2024 celebration of her 100th birthday. We come to know the author, her characters, and our own deep need for connection to place, time, and each other. The piece brings together archival research and scenes from Burns’ novel for an evening of laughter and reflection on what matters.

This is a ticketed event. Tickets will be available on October 10.

Performance Dates and Times are as follows: 

  • Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m.
Olive Ann Burns stands with her husband Andy
Olive Ann Burns stands with her husband Andy as she raises her right arm. Behind them are projections of a real photo of Olive, as well as two covers of her book Cold Sassy Tree: A Novel. Three ensemble members look at the projections.
The puppeteers operate Will Tweedy, who sits with his mother Mary Willis’ arms wrapped around him. Another puppeteer holds up Aunt Loma, who raises her left arm.
Two puppeteers operate Will Tweedy, who is walking on train tracks with a stick. In the background, another puppeteer holds his dog, TR.
Puppet Will Tweedy and Grandpa Blakesee sit together, looking down at the rose blanket they made for the late Grandma Blakesee. Will Tweedy stands to the side and observes the puppets.
Will Tweedy narrates from the right as the puppet Will Tweedy kneels beside Grandpa Blakesee sitting in a rocking chair, Aunt Loma and Mary Willis watching.
Olive Ann Burns crosses her arms and sits behind her typewriter, looking up for inspiration. Her husband Andy stands behind her, holding her arms.
Puppeteers operate the puppets of Grandpa Blakesee, Aunt Loma, Mary Willis, and Will Tweedy. Grandpa Blakesee raises his arm, speaking with Aunt Loma.
Olive Ann Burns links her arm with Albert Camus, both smiling. Olive holds a rose in her other hand.
Grandpa Power places a hand on his chest as he holds onto an armchair. Olive Ann Burns leans on the same chair, looking at Grandpa Power.

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