Department of senior lecturer and Civic Ensemble Artistic Director Godfrey L. Simmons Jr. stars in The Cherry Artspace’s production of The Shoe by Québec playwright David Paquet in the play’s first-ever production in the English language. Directed by Cherry Artistic Director Samuel Buggeln, The Shoe uses inventive magical realism to tell the story of an unusual young boy named Benoit and the adults who care for him. Along the way, each of the characters learns something about life, loneliness, herbology, and what it takes to be happy.
Simmons stars as Simeon, the boy’s socially inept yet lovable dentist. Appearing alongside Simmons are Ithaca College student Joshua Witzling as Benoit, Amoreena Wade as the boy’s mother, Melanie, and Emma Bowers as Helen, the dentist’s receptionist. The Shoe features environment design by Daniel Zimmerman, costumes by Sasha Oliver, sound by Kate Griffin, lighting by Christopher Brusberg, and props by Edith McCrea.
During the second weekend of the play’s run, acclaimed playwright David Paquet will travel to Ithaca from Montreal for a public talkback after the Friday, October 4, performance. Also, a panel discussion with the playwright, translator, and director will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7, at the Schwartz Center as part of the World Theater Voices series.
The Shoe opens on Friday, September 27, following a pay-what-you-will preview performance on Thursday, September 26, and closes Sunday, October 6. Evening performances (Thursdays through Saturdays) are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 3:30 p.m. Performances take place at the Cherry Artspace, 102 Cherry Street in Ithaca, NY. For more information about the production, visit the Cherry’s website.
