The Newman University Theatre Department will present for its spring theatrical production “A Man for All Seasons” at 8 p.m. March 3-5 and at 2 p.m. March 6. All shows are in the Performance Hall, inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman campus. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 seniors and military, $5 for Newman University faculty and staff, $5 for students, and free for Newman University students.
“A Man for All Seasons,” written by Robert Bolt, is based on the true story of Sir Thomas More, the 16th-century Chancellor of England who refused to endorse King Henry VIII’s wish to divorce his wife who did not bear him a son.
“I believe it is the tale of one man who chose to remain as steadfast as a stone while the rushing river of the times attempted to budge him from himself,” Director of Theatre Mark Mannette said. “When he did not budge, remaining true to himself, they found a means to end him. Later sainted for his martyrdom, he became St. Thomas More. In life, when so many people follow the herd, it is refreshing to see the bravery of an individual who does not.”
Newman senior Mark Carlson, who plays Sir Thomas More, said the role has been a good experience.
“The role of Sir Thomas More is, I feel, one of the most complicated yet rewarding characters I have portrayed,” Carlson said. “The play does an excellent job of portraying everyone in both positive and negative lights. No one character is truly ‘good’ or ‘evil,’ but a mixture of the two. More’s strict adherence to law and his devotion to the Catholic Church is both his most admirable quality and the cause of his descent from royal favor. More is at times a dry wit, a passionate spokesman for justice, and a calculating lawyer, torn by loyalties to both God and his country.”
Showtimes:
• March 3-5, 8 p.m.
• March 6, 2 p.m.
Admission price at the door:
• $12 – Adults
• $10 – Seniors and Millitary
• $5 – Newman University Faculty and Staff
• $5 – Students
• Free – Newman University Students
The 15 Newman students featured in this production are listed with hometowns below.
