Thrill Me: The Story of Leopold and Loeb, a musical directed by Gustavus Adolphus College Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance Henry MacCarthy will be performed at the Lowry Lab Theater in St. Paul beginning Thursday, Sept. 16. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Sept. 16, 17, and 18 as well as a 3 p.m. matinee performance on Sept. 19.
The play stars Gustavus seniors Christian DeMarais and Michael Davidson, while senior Samuel Grace is musical director. MacCarthy, DeMarais, Davidson, and Grace received a Presidential Faculty-Student Collaboration Grant in the spring of 2010, which allowed the students to work with MacCarthy during the summer months. The grant also provided funding for the unique project and allowed the students to be a part of an intensive educational experience.
The production has been aided by many other Gustavus students and alumni. Costume design is created by recent Gustavus graduate Kristen Weller. Lighting and sound design is done by senior Patrick McDougle. The production is stage managed by senior Kimberly Braun, while graphic design was created by sophomore Laura Grossman.
Based on the true story of the wealthy young duo, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, who kidnapped and murdered a young boy in 1924, Thrill Me follows the fascinating relationship between the two infamous young men. The story is told through the lens of Nathan, who must explain to the Parole Board why he and Richard committed the horrific crime thirty five years earlier. A series of flashbacks ensues and the audience is able to see how both men ache for excitement: Richard in the form of crime and Nathan in the form of Richard.
Nathan’s intense infatuation with Richard causes Nathan to lose sense of his own conscience and go along with whatever crimes Richard wants to commit, no matter the magnitude. DeMarais and Davisdon do a beautiful job in portraying these complex characters and displaying the vulnerability that is inevitable with such an emotional story. Thrill Me is driven by the constant intensity of the music, the poignant details of Leopold and Loeb’s compelling relationship, as well as the unforgettable undertones of crime, violence, and justice.
Tickets will be sold at the door of the Lowry Lab Theatre before the show, or they can be reserved by calling 740-590-3942. Tickets are available for $10 for students and $15 for general admission. The Gustavus Campus Activities Board will be providing transportation from Gustavus to the Lowry Lab Theatre on Sept. 16 for Gustavus students only.
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