Alyssa Burd
Online Editor
Messiah’s Department of Theater and Dance will be showing its final performances of “Summer and Smoke” this weekend in Miller Theater. 
Written by Tennessee Williams, the play is set at the turn of the century against the backdrop of Glorious Hill, Mississippi. The plot follows the story of Alma Winemiller, a highly strung minister’s daughter, and her relationship with the young doctor who lives next door, John Buchanon, Jr. By addressing themes of both physical and spiritual desires, “Summer and Smoke” provides a deeper look at the anatomy of the human soul.
Directed by Elizabeth Angelozzi, Messiah’s production of this classic play features a stellar cast of students from a variety of majors and academic years including senior theatre major Kelsey Kindall as Alma and sophomore musical theatre major Aiden Lewis as John Buchanon, Jr. Kindall and Lewis’ performances strike an undeniable, and sometimes comedic, chemistry as their characters develop and undergo their own spiritual transformations.
Other notable performances included first-year theatre major Abby Shaw as Nellie, junior musical theatre major Craig Terrell, Jr. as Reverend Winemiller, and senior musical theatre major Ellen Shockey as Mrs. Winemiller. Each actor and actress provided convincing and captivating portrayals of their characters as they explore a variety of complex emotions throughout the play. In addition to the talented cast, factor in the beautifully and expertly designed set as well as the flurry of costumes that capture the essence of the early 1900s, and you have a stage production that you won’t want to miss!
Final performances for “Summer and Smoke” will begin this Thursday at 8:00 p.m. and will end on November 19. Tickets are $7.00 for students with a valid student ID and various show times are available—go online or visit the ticket office to purchase your ticket today.