Meet the Cast of “Emma”- Part 2

Published October 20, 2017

In Jane Austen’s “Emma,” Highbury, England’s own matchmaker, Emma Woodhouse, brings matrimony and misunderstanding to town in the early 19th century. Clarks Summit University’s Theatre Department will bring the story to life on October 26–28, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $8.

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During the next week, the cast will be introduced through a series of cast member biographies. Get to know these student performers before they take the stage!

Mr. Weston: Alex Madsen

Alex Madsen, a freshman pursuing Pastoral Ministries, has taken on the role of Mr. Weston in CSU’s production of Jane Austen’s “Emma.” Madsen has been involved with numerous little plays and skits throughout high school. In his first play at CSU, he has taken on the role of a kind businessman and a wonderful husband and father, whom Madsen has come to admire. Madsen believes his character will touch the hearts of all the fathers in the room with the overwhelming love he has for his son. The role has challenged Madsen to control any nervous energy he may have personally; he does not want to falsely portray Mr. Weston by letting himself seep through. Madsen and his character are both serious, but they love to have fun. Mr. Weston always sees the good in people when most people would be distracted by the flaws.

Mrs. Weston: Abigail Eldridge

Abigail Eldridge plays Mrs. Weston. As a freshman Secondary Math Education major, she likes “the challenge of creating someone new” while on stage. While this is her first play at CSU, she grew up writing plays and performing them for her family. She was also involved in numerous plays and a community theatre in high school. If she had the opportunity, her dream role would be “Elizabeth” in “Pride and Prejudice.” She desires to get a reaction from her audience by portraying her character to the fullest. Mrs. Weston also sees the best in people. She is caring, passionate, and empathetic, but she can be a little naïve sometimes. Like Mrs. Weston, Eldridge is a caring, compassionate individual who tries to see the best in people. She admires Mrs. Weston’s ability to hide her negative feelings, even when she completely dislikes someone. Eldridge loves how Mrs. Weston is content with her life and stands up for what she thinks. The freshman believes the part comes naturally because of her own similarities with Mrs. Weston. Eldridge believes the audience will love her character like they appreciate a good friend. She challenges the audience to remember, “things are not always as they seem and there can be many possible explanations to just one situation.”

Frank Churchill: Jack Simons

Jack Simons is a freshman Business major with a minor in Communications. Although it is his first performance at CSU, he has been a part of a drama team at Word of Life and has been involved in community theatre. If he had the opportunity, his dream role would be “Jean Valjean” in “Les Misérables.” Desiring to be a part of a team of people who work hard together, he has taken on the role of Frank Churchill in the production of “Emma.” Simons says he loves the “community aspect, especially here.” He is grateful for the opportunities the team has to become closer, especially their after-practice dinners. Simons loves performing, speaking and singing, and acting gives him the opportunity to do all of them at the same time. While participating in the play, he has discovered different ways to use his skills in his future career and ministry. Simons says, “No matter how scared you are, getting out of your comfort zone can be beneficial for ministry and for your own self.” Portraying a character in the early nineteenth century has been a new experience for Simons. And while his character is very straightforward and knows what he wants to say, Simons says he has a tendency to be “all over the place” when he talks. Described by Simons, Frank Churchill is “the circus coming to town,” and he is not afraid to make a fool out of himself. He is the life of the party who tries to be more confident than he actually is. Churchill is the music man who will be loved by all the fun-loving, outgoing people. As Simons put it, “Excitement and fun-loving are right up my alley.”

Colleen Noll is a Communications-Writing major who is studying theatre practicum and plans to graduate in 2020.