Student actors (from left to right) Misty Gros, MJ Ricks and Emily Nodine
practice lines during one of their first rehearsals of “Beware the Licorice Vines.” 
Courtesy of Anthony Gary

The forthcoming Vonnie Borden production  “Beware the Licorice Vines,” is an original production receiving its debut on Southeastern’s campus. 

“Beware the Licorice Vines” is the creation of Eddie Zippereer, who submitted it to the Ink Slinger Playwriting Competition and emerged victoriously. The grand prize allowed the play to be fully produced by the theater department at Southeastern. The drama will take place March 9 through March 12 at 7:30 p.m.

The play’s basic plot involves a young artist who finds he has lost the desire to paint, and struggles to rekindle his former passion until one day his life changes forever. All the other details are shrouded in mystery.

“This play has been so much fun to work on. The play will be a fun roller coaster ride for the audience,” said director Chad Winters. “It’s dramatic, funny and a bit romantic. The challenge we’ve had was to embrace the material and bravely take chances with the storytelling. It’s been fun and I think people will enjoy this story.”

The cast includes MJ Ricks, Misty Gros, Emily Nodine, Tyler Meyers and Taylor Sinclair.

Nodine, who will play Laura, has found a great deal of fulfillment while working on the show despite of the amount of hard work it entails.

“Working on this particular production has been a dream come true for me,” said Nodine. “I read the script and fell in love with it. I loved the character of Laura and never thought I would get casted as her, but I auditioned anyway and I did. This show really has all the fun of comedy with bits of drama and sadness too. There have been nights where rehearsals were hard and stressful, but I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.”

Gros, playing the role of Katie, believes the themes of the play are significant.

“One of the stronger themes of this play is to keep yourself open to new possibilities and make sure to take any opportunity no matter how random they appear or spontaneous it feels,” said Gros. “I hope that the audience will remember that life is about taking chances. But over all, I hope that the audience leaves having enjoyed themselves and the play.”

Winters believes all audiences will take a lot from the subject matter of “Beware the Licorice Vines,” whether they are a part of the art world or not.

“I want the audience to take the ride,” said Winters. “The themes are very universal. We’re not all artists, but we all get stuck sometimes. We all get lost from time to time, but it’s our passions and dreams that get us back on track.  Keep on dreaming and hoping.  Without that life can lose its joy.”

For more information on “Beware the Licorice Vines” and other upcoming Vonnie Borden productions, visit the university website.