October 12, 2021
K-State Theatre reopens its Second Stage Series with 'Crooked'
Submitted by Jerry Jay Cranford
K-State Theatre reopens its Second Stage Series at the Purple Masque Theatre in West Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, and continues through Oct. 17. The first production is a comedy-drama "Crooked" by Catherine Trieschmann and directed by senior theatre major Jillian Sommerauer.
"This play spoke to me because it touches on a multitude of themes, including body image, bullying, mental health, sexuality, and religious struggles," Sommerauer said.
"Crooked" follows the spunky 14-year-old Laney with a vivid imagination for writing stories inspired by her favorite books and authors. The play begins as she arrives in Oxford, Mississippi, with her mother after leaving Madison, Wisconsin. Laney has dystonia, a condition that causes one of her shoulders to draw up with a slight hunched-back quality. At school she meets Maribel Purdy, a believer in the power of Jesus to save Laney from high school troubles. A strong friendship develops between Laney and Maribel, creating friction between Laney and her mother. A combination of religion, teenaged rebellion, sexual awakening and different types of love all come into play in "Crooked," making it thought-provoking and incredibly engaging.
"I hope that the audience members can take something from this show as there is undoubtedly a theme that they will connect with," Sommerauer said. "As for the characters, they are far from perfect and are very flawed, but this serves as a reminder that everyone has struggles as we are all human, so mistakes are inevitable."
For tickets and further performance information, visit ksu.universitytickets.com.