Meet the Cast and Creative Team Behind THE DISPUTE!
We’re thrilled to unveil the talented ensemble cast for our upcoming student theatre production, THE DISPUTE. Pierre de Marivaux’s surprisingly modern 18th-century comedy dares to ask: who is more faithful in love – men or women? This intellectually stimulating and deeply hilarious exploration of relationship dynamics, power, and human nature will be performed in QCT’s Black Box June 11-14, promising audiences an unforgettable theatrical experience.
The dynamic cast features Meredith Lee as Prince, Kenna Dugan as Hermaine, Briana Zanger as Carise, Brennan Hills as Mesrou, Cecilia Bruening as Églé, Helen Smith as Azor, Ava Kaelke as Adine, Caylee Cox as Mesrin, Reese Foster as Meslis, and Jada Penick Fonza as Dina.
Under the direction of Brendan Shea, this cast brings fresh energy to Marivaux’s witty philosophical experiment, where four young people raised in isolation become unwitting participants in a debate about the nature of love and betrayal. “This almost 300-year-old play predicts the rise of the reality show, the social experiment, and the continued joy we get out of watching others fumble through the vagaries of love. We’re using modern theatre-making techniques to create something truly original and theatrical from Marivaux’s text, and I couldn’t ask for a more incredible group of young artists to join me on this journey. The Student Lab show is where we can be the most bold; it’s where we expand the boundaries of what theatre can be and can do.”
The creative team supporting THE DISPUTE includes Jessica Crockett as Production Stage Manager, Sam Bruening as Assistant Stage Manager, Sabrina Brookshire as Lighting Designer, Lorne Kelley and Harrison Clarke as Scenic Designers, Jayden Dryer as Costume Designer, and Me Crouch as Dramaturg.
With limited seating in the Black Box, audiences are strongly encouraged to secure tickets early when they go on sale May 12 at 1QCT.org or by calling the Box Office at 217-222-3209.
Theatre enthusiasts are invited to explore the creative process during Discovery Night on Tuesday, June 2, at 6:00 p.m. This free, interactive event features an engaging discussion with the production team, audience Q&A, and a preview scene from the show.
THE DISPUTE promises to blend period charm with contemporary relevance, offering both seasoned theatregoers and newcomers a compelling drama and unexpected humor.