Detroit Mercy Theatre Company kicks off its Fall 2024 season with a production of “Witch.” With its thematic elements, the play, which begins its run on Oct. 25, is meant to be a perfect fit for anyone looking for a Fall event.
Krista Schafer is the director of “Witch.” Schafer also spends her time working at Open Book Theatre Company as a director. She also has a passion for acting, being a former actor on stage before directing.
“The play holds a lot of surprising twists,” Schafer said. “Not like a murder mystery with twists, but things you won’t have seen coming. Unexpected ways the characters interact. The actors are doing phenomenal work… audiences will delight in their layered and complex characters. Some really funny moments. And the play asks some big questions, so in between the twists and turns and laughs there are big questions to delve into and contemplate, long after the play ends.”
Detroit Mercy Theatre company actors are delighted to work with Schaefer.
Cast member Katherine Mutschler said, “It’s such a joy and privilege to work with Krista. She is very good at identifying what you might be struggling with such as physically or truthful motivation and giving you a specific exercise to help you naturally overcome your obstacles.”
Mary Elizabeth Valesano, the interim chair of Performing Arts, is proud of what the show has become.
“Audiences of ‘Witch’ can expect to see our incredibly talented student actors tackle a layered, dark and surprisingly comedic script about people who are struggling with questions of hope in times of darkness and the value of their own souls,” Valesano said.
It also is anticipated to be a production that will keep the audience at the edge of its seat.
“Expect the unexpected,” Mutschler said. “The entire piece conducts a really interesting dialogue about power and hope and how those things look differently depending on your background, identity, and privilege, especially as a woman.”
Mutschler is playing Elizabeth Sawyer, the lead character of ‘Witch.’ She represents a critique of societal cruelty, especially toward women who don’t conform to conventional norms.
Li Udell portrays Cuddy Banks, the clown or fool of the play, and provides comic relief amidst the darker the darker, tragic themes.
“Audiences can expect thrills, drama, sharp with and an examination of what it means to have hope against all hope,” Udell said.
Jeremy St. Martin portrays Scratch, a devil-like figure who manipulates others by offering to fulfill their darkest desires in exchange for their souls, embodying temptation and moral corruption. He believes that the audience will be left with big questions after the production.
“There are so many questions that I expect—and hope– will come through this thought-provoking experience,” St. Martin said. “But some of the big questions for the audience come down to: what does hope mean? What is the price of optimism? In playing the role of the Devil, my personal curiosity is to see if the audience will find humanity in evil.”
Throughout the production, the theme of power is explored.
“We’re expecting a wide range from those confused about the title to those genuinely intrigued in seeing an exhilarating show,” said Jordan Collyer, who is acting in the production “My character learns all too well access is a poison that spreads through you like a plague. Audiences will love getting the chance to see just what power will do, even when we can’t see our own.”
Tickets are now on sale on The Detroit Mercy Theatre page located on Detroit Mercy’s website. The shows will be on Oct. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 27 at 3 p.m., Nov. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 3 at 3 p.m.
