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McPherson College Theatre Presents “Gaslight”

The McPherson College theatre department will present the haunting classic “Gaslight” on March 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium.

Eighty-five years ago, this classic stage production made an impact on London theatergoers and is where the modern term “gaslighting” originated. Themes center on perspective and how it can be contorted to make one question the world around them. Welcome to the Manningham home in 19th century London. Jack, a young charismatic man helps to care for his wife, Bella, but a visitor from Scotland Yard arrives with questions. As questions become more intense, a shadow of doubt grows between Bella and her husband.

“Last year my students studied this text and it was neat to see their genuine excitement for this classic play,” Jen Pollard, theatre professor, said. “Many students did not realize the modern term gaslighting comes from this text.”

McPherson College presented this production during the 1988-89 theatre season.

A full British tea will be served for season ticket holders on Saturday, March 5 beginning at 6:20 p.m. For more information or reservations, visit https://www.mcpherson.edu/programs/theatre/season/. Masks are required for theatre audience members.

Cast members include Hannah Simmons as Bella; Eli Jordan as Jack; Jailynn Hammel as Elizabeth; Bailey Hulce as Nancy; Kenzie Jansonius as Detective Rough; with additional support from Bryce Martin, Evan McGoldrick, and Valick Sorter.

Crew members include Sarah Asher, stage manager; Jean McKenney-Chance, lights; Danny Salinas IV, set; Lindy Reynolds, props; Toby Leffew, sound; Bailey Hulce and Ellery McMurray, costumes; Kenzie Jansonius, hair and makeup; Jen Pollard, set and costume design, technical director; Jd. Bowman, director.