When choosing a school to transfer to, many things need to be considered. Does the college in question have the right program? For senior Chris Corrigan, he found what he was looking for at North Central College.
“I transferred here last year from College of DuPage, and I chose North Central because we have the program where seniors in the theatre program can direct shows,” said Corrigan. “I knew I wanted to do this before I even came here.”
Corrigan, who is a senior theatre major, is the director of “God of Carnage.” For every term of the school year, one student is chosen to direct a production of their choice. Corrigan chose “God of Carnage” as his production of choice after seeing it for the first time.
“I saw the play in 2010 at the Goodman Theatre, and I thought it was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen,” said Corrigan. “I fell in love with it.”
Corrigan felt a connection to the play, originally written by Yazmina Reza, for a number of reasons. The play, to Corrigan, was something that he wanted to direct as soon as he left the theatre.
“The thing I love about the show is that it’s about four parents fighting about their kids, which is a very specific thing,” said Corrigan about the play. “The idea that it’s about an uncomfortable discussion that you have to have about a situation is something that we can all relate to.”
Corrigan also felt drawn to the play because he felt a connection to the characters in ways that he did not expect, and feels that those who attend the show will feel the same way.
“I truly believe that the four characters in this play, everyone has been at some point,” said Corrigan. “I can honestly look at one of the characters and think, ‘oh, I’ve done that,’ and it’s embarrassing to admit. That’s the nice thing about the show.”
Junior John Bihun, who plays Alan in the production, describes his character as a “lawyer, higher class, wealthier, conservative-type fellow.” The cast of “God of Carnage” also includes Jack Morosvillo (’16), as Michael, Bridget Adams-King (’19), as Veronica and Anne Lorentzen (’17), as Annette.
Though Bihun does not personally relate to the character he is playing, he sees traces of him in his father. “It’s fun to be sort of playing my father without it 100 percent being my father,” Bihun said.
Not only is “God of Carnage” Corrigan’s senior directed show, but it is also his first time serving as a director for any production. Being a senior-led production, “God of Carnage” has been a challenging but positive experience for everyone involved.
“I’ve learned to trust myself a lot more than I do. I walked in really nervous, not really knowing how this would go, not really knowing how I would be as a director; I’m still not one-hundred percent sure how I am as a director,” said Corrigan. “I’m a lot more confident in myself now that I have done it.”
Corrigan credits his cast and crew as being integral and helpful in the process.
“I’m more confident in this process, and that has a lot to do with the fact that the cast is so strong,” said Corrigan. “The design team is so strong; everyone is making such amazing choices, and my job is a lot easier because of that.”
“I think he’s done a wonderful job as being director, he was my friend before we even started this process,” said Bihun. “It was fun coming into the rehearsal space knowing Chris, and knowing what his personality is like; it was a lot easier for me.”
“God of Carnage” is the final student-directed show of the school year, and it makes its debut on May 5, in Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, and runs until May 7.
