By WILL HEATLEY
Staff Writer
The retirement of Dr. Kenneth Krauss, long tenured professor of drama studies at over the summer was significant for both actors and audience of The College of Saint Rose theater. Over the years he helped develop the Drama/Theater program into what it is today; a creative, intense, and fulfilling environment where expression is explored and encouraged.
Dr. Krauss brought works of Neil Simon and Oscar Wilde to a Catholic college in the early 90s, – which could have been controversial – passed the torch several years ago to bring a more youthful energy to the department.
Professor Angela Ryan-Ledtke, who received the proverbial torch, came to usher in a new era of theater at 996A Madison Ave, with “[Title of Show],” “Stop Kiss,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Good People,” “Pippin,” and “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” among other memorable productions. As Dr. Krauss ended his farewell tour, Saint Rose added a musical theater minor to continue the growth and expansion of the program which has seen an increase in student interest in the past several years.
The theater department at Saint Rose is bringing another musical to the stage this fall. “Songs for a New World,” Jason Robert Brown’s collection of musical theater numbers, will be performed by six students under the direction of Ryan-Ledtke and Professor Suna Gunther, a vocal instructor from the music department. This will be the first production that is credit bearing for the minor, and students are grateful for the opportunity.
“I saw the audition notice and just put myself out there. I was happily surprised that I was cast,” said Matthew Boyce, a sophomore music industry major, and a member of the cast with the musical theater minor.
Boyce was familiar with the music from the show already, and claims that the storytelling through song style adds a unique twist for the audience member.
“Each song tells a different story, it can be quite the emotional joyride. I’m glad I’m working on this with some great people,” he said. Boyce isn’t the only cast member who is doing his first show in the department.
Sophomore and former music education major Nicholas Edwards is also enjoying the culture that the theater department has to offer.
“I’m currently taking Angela’s acting class and she kinda persuaded me to audition,” Edwards said. “I’m glad I did, I didn’t know I was going to be cast, and I was really excited.”
Edwards praised the diversity of his cast mates, a reflection of the show.
“Every song has a different voice, a different character. The diversity in the cast helps that; it adds to the story. I think many will be able to relate to it, especially with today’s modern socio political climate and issues,” he said.
Veterans of the theater department like junior political science major Aileen Burke, are also joining the cast and crew for the performance. She says that it will be an amazing production that will give audiences a lot to think about. Burke has seen the transition of the theater over the last few years and thinks that the shows at Saint Rose in the barn have an almost secretive quality.
“This secret is starting to attract more and more people…they want to know what’s going on inside.” she said.
Burke also adds that the tangible experiences in the theatre department have enhanced her collegiate career and life.
“The space is intimate, the shows have felt great, and the people who choose to get involved are always so wonderful,” said Burke.
“Songs for a New World” will be performed at The Campus Theater, 996A Madison Ave., and Nov. 1 through 3 and again the following weekend 8 through 10. For more information, please contact Professor Ryan-Ledtke via email at ryana@mail.strose.edu.
