The theater program at Mercer Community College continues to raise the bar for the performing arts with the student production of Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “Angels in America, Part I: Millennium Approaches.” ##M:[more]##
Cast members include Ben Knight and Justin Schilling of West Windsor. Performances are at Kelsey Theater on Fridays and Saturdays, April 17, 18, 24, and 25, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, April 26, at 2 p.m.
The contemporary drama, set in New York City in the mid-1980s amidst the devastating outbreak of AIDS, charts an epic journey through the interconnected lives of a vivid cast of characters as they stumble from human failing toward the possibility of redemption. “‘Angels’ is both a deeply personal and universal statement on illness, fear, change, and the ever-present need for hope,” says director Jody P. Person, coordinator of the MCCC Theater and Dance Programs.
Justin Schilling portrays Henry, a doctor. An aspiring comedian and improvisatory performer, he has appeared on stage in New Jersey and New York, and has performed at Six Flags Great Adventure since 2006. He is currently working with fellow MCCC students to start a new comedy and improv troupe, “Culture Shock.” He has appeared in “The Mysteries,” “The King and I,” “Into the Woods,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and “The Exonerated.”
A graduate of Jackson Memorial High School, Class of 2005, he is majoring in information systems. “The role is quite exciting and it pushes my abilities,” Schilling says. “I had no idea about anything in the medical field and had to research words and meanings to understand what my character was saying.” Schilling, who has not seen the play or HBO film says, “Most actors want to make the character their own.” He feels that “it will be interesting to watch the film after the show is done.”
Ben Knight portrays Mr. Lies and Prior Walter Ghost 1. This is his fourth show at MCCC. He has appeared in “Seven Sins” as Tyler, “Macbeth” as Macbeth, and “A Doll House” as Doctor Rank. A graduate of Robbinsville High School, Class of 2008, he is majoring in theater and acting. “Being able to do such a powerful role is amazing,” he says. “It’s a good feeling.”
