The Johnsonian

Issue date: 10/4/06 Section: Arts

Actors, actresses and crew at Winthrop will break hearts, shoot guns and play with firecrackers in the Johnson Theatre this Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

It's part of something director Russell Luke, professor of theatre and dance, calls "Summer and Smoke," a drama by Tennessee Williams.

Set in a small town in Mississippi in the early 1900s, "Summer and Smoke" tells a love story full of impossibilities.

"This is one of Williams's more sentimental and poetic plays," Luke said. "I believe it is very beautiful and I am especially pleased with the cast and crew."

Senior theater major Jillian Sims will be playing the role of a preacher's daughter, Alma, whose name is Spanish for "soul."

Sims's character has lived in isolation her entire life, which has made her passionate about a lot of things, according to Sims.

"Alma is innocent in a lot of ways, probably on purpose, but she grows up a bit," Sims said.

She also hopes the time period won't turn people off.

"I don't think that people should be turned off by the time period of this play," Sims said. "The language is beautiful and poetic, and the subject matter is still relevant today. There are a lot of deep layers that we may not have gone through yet, but it's there."

Junior David Hensley is also a theater major. He describes his character John as a chain-smoking, alcoholic womanizer, with some sense of morals.

John follows his father into the medical profession and is focused on the physical part of love, while Alma believes that a deeper love can exist between the souls of two people.

The story of John and Alma becomes a tragedy when their different positions on life and love force them further away from each other.

"It's an intense play and a lot of hard work has gone into it," Hensley said. "There's something for everyone."

Assistant stage managers are seniors Meredith Zobel, theater major, and James Mintz, theater design major.

"Summer and Smoke" is a cultural event that runs from Oct. 4 through Oct. 8. Wed. though Sat. The show starts at 8 p.m., and on Sun. it starts at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $8 with a Winthrop ID and $15 for general admission.

Reservations are suggested since the main stage theater is now assigned seating. Call 803-323-4014 or e-mail boxoffice@winthrop.edu to make reservations.

The box office is open an hour before curtain and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. during the week of performance.

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