Students in the Radford University Department of Theatre and Cinema are presenting a virtual production of “When She Had Wings” today, Feb. 27, and Sunday, Feb. 28, in Pridemore Playhouse.
Online show times are 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 27 and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28. This show is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are on sale now at www.rutheatretickets.com.
Penned by playwright Susan Zeder, this fun and inspiring tale follows the imagination of an insecure nine-year-old girl named B who dreams of flying. Audiences will soar through clouds of whimsy and wonder as B lifts off on her adventures.
Senior theatre major Angellise Pacheco is cast in the lead role of B, the nine-year-old girl whose imaginative exploits drive the story. The role is very physical, with lots of falling, jumping and quick movements, the way many high-energy nine-year-olds play. Pacheco says that doing all of those things while wearing a mask has been one of the more challenging aspects of the production.
One of the driving plot elements of “When She Had Wings” is the nine-year-old girl’s disdain for her upcoming birthday, believing that the transition to a double-digit age will mean that she is becoming old. Pacheco says that she was excited to be cast in the role because she felt like she could relate to the character. “I could relate to how B feels about turning ten. I cried when I turned ten,” she said.
The character is one of the bigger roles that Pacheco has played, and she says that she has learned a lot through the experience. “It is a lot of responsibility,” Pacheco said. “Some of my lines are cues for other characters and actions, so I’ve really had to step up how I prepare for this production.”
The production team decided to use creative movement by dancers to personify B’s rapidly changing moods and experiences. Senior theatre major Travis Sykes is directing the production, and he says he enjoys creating a story that sees the world through a child’s eyes.
“There are so many things I love about this play,” he said. “We went through the script and marked every moment where imagination is in play and incorporated dancers to illustrate this through motion.”
The theatre program requires a number of safeguards to protect against transmission of the coronavirus. Students are always masked when working together. They are required to turn in a daily symptom tracker before each rehearsal. Props are assigned to specific cast members and cannot be shared. Frequent hand washing is also required when they are working together.
Both Sykes and Pacheco agree that “When She Had Wings” is a story that can be enjoyed by audiences of any age. Younger audience members will be swept away by the imaginative production while older viewers will have a chance to revisit their childhood again.
