THIEL PLAYERS PRESENT HOLOCAUST DRAMA ON APRIL 2-4

March 19, 2009

GREENVILLE, PA—The Thiel Players, Thiel College’s student theatre troupe, will present its spring production, “And Then They Came for Me” by James Still, on April 2-4 in the William A. Robinson Theater.

One of the most widely produced new plays, “And Then They Came For Me” combines the words of Holocaust survivors with archival slides of the period, sound effects and music. The horrors of World War II are recounted by many different voices, including those of Anne Frank and a Nazi soldier, who develops from an idealistic member of the Hitler Youth to a disillusioned soldier by the end of the war.

“This production will be a unique theatrical experience,” says William Robinson, longtime leader of the Thiel Players and director of “And Then They Came for Me.” “Part oral history, part dramatic action, part direct address, part remembrance, this ensemble-driven play is both touching and thought provoking.”

Student actors in the production include first-year students Evan Ditty, Rico Elmore, Chanel Jenkins, Kirstin Kennedy and  Zac Markley; sophomores Josh Abrahamson, Vickie Boyer, Bryan Montozzi, Kayla Turek, David Henry and Jamie Kirchofer; juniors Cody Kendera, Abbey Kiger and Kathleen Walter; and seniors Ellen Greis, Russ Brown, Alan Stevens and Brandon McCormick.

The technical staff includes first-year student Stephanie Hudson; juniors Nick Travaglianti, Randy Bartlett and Ben Barch; and seniors Joel Bussard and Alan Stevens, as well as Robinson’s independent study students.

Show times are 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 2 through Saturday, April 4. There is a matinee performance on April 4 at 2 p.m.

The William A. Robinson Theater is located behind the William A. Passavant Memorial Center on Thiel’s campus. Admission to the show is free, but donations will be accepted after the show. All donations support future Thiel Players productions.

For reservations for “And Then They Came for Me,” call 724-589-2029.

About Thiel College

Founded in 1866, Thiel College is a liberal arts, sciences and professional studies institution located in Greenville, Pa., that provides a great balance of academic challenge, personal and social involvement, and exceptional value to its 1,100 students. For more information about Thiel College, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, visit www.thiel.edu or call 800-24-THIEL.

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