The second play of the University Playhouse season, “Digging Up the Boys”, opened with a bang – literally – as sound of an explosion resonated throughout the auditorium.
Three men, Jack, Floyd and Paul have survived a horrific explosion while working in the local coal mine. Unsure if anyone will try to save them, they are forced to sit and wait; those left above wonder if anything is going to be done rescue their loved ones.
Those left above are Addie, Ruth and May, three women who depend on the strength and love of their counterparts. Desperately seeking help, they reach out to the Foreman in an attempt to find comfort only to be shooed away. The result is a story shifting between the men below and those above – neither group knowing the others’ fate.
Written by Alumnus Laura Lundgren-Smith, “Digging Up the Boys” is a compelling drama set in the Deep South during the 1930s during a period of little government regulation of coal miners’ safety. Smith succeeds in showing the societal issues that are controversial to this day. Her Foreman is a political character easy to despise. He is an embodiment of what we hate most in the world: profit above people.
While the story engages the viewer, the design of the show is an overwhelming achievement. The set shows the corrosion from the poison of the coal mine and resembles a Grecian amphitheatre with the men below the action during most of the play. M. Knight Jr. created these theatrical spaces utilizing the space effectively as the audience’s attention flows from one location to another.
Gary Burton’s lighting design transforms the set design into a living being, creating life in a world the coal mines have destroyed. Subtle transitions from night to dawn or a simple fading sunset visually captivate and never distract from the actors’ abilities.
David Hanners, Lou Ann Petty and Jim Tyler Anderson produced original music for this production. Phil Ingle designed the sound that blows one away.
The three men below, played by Nathan Jacobs, Atseko Factor and Jacob Layton provided sustenance maintaining the backbone of this production. Their interaction with each other brings out the best and worst in men during times of need.
The three women above, played by Kristi Smith, Rachel Fields and Lakethia Delcoe provide the passion and drive to thrust the play forward. Constant fear, worries and turmoil dwells in their souls erupting in a lethal outcome.
Berry A. Berryhill portrays a convincing Foreman. His evil, conniving and manipulative approach to the flesh and blood of those above makes your insides boil.
Directed by Dr. John Hanners, “Digging Up the Boys” is a must-see. It’s one-act, 60 minutes long, and will continue its performances this upcoming weekend Nov. 8-11.
Showtime begins at 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, with a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets are $3 for students.