The question of morality and what occurs after death has been discussed for centuries. And the discussion will continue in a play presented at Shippensburg University.

Based off of the 15th century morality play, “Everyman,” the Pulitzer Prize finalist play “Everybody” attacks the meaning of life head on. Following the character, Everybody, throughout their journey as they work through life’s most difficult and trying moments.

“Everybody,” written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, is being directed by Shippensburg University Music and Theatre Arts Department professor Paris Peet.

The ensemble is comprised of 13 SU students from the theatre practicum course.

With moments that tug on the heart, and others that will hopefully make audience members throw their heads back laughing, the audience will be immediately immersed in Everybody’s battle of their life coming to an abrupt close.

For Katherine Hargrove, a junior history and interdisciplinary arts major, this is her first time in the Theatre Practicum course, but she is no stranger to the Memorial Auditorium stage. 

She has previously been in Act V Theatre Company’s productions of Tracks, Dear Harvey and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 

Hargrove has also written and performed, Drama Whore, a one-woman show in spring 2019.

Hargrove plays the roles of God, Understanding and Usher in “Everybody.” With three roles, her characters surprisingly do no interact with many other cast members, which she said has challenged her as an actor. 

“It’s been really interesting to engage with others to the fullest in such limited circumstances,” Hargrove said.

Excited to gather as much on-stage time with her friends as possible, Cassie Zaleski, a senior social work major, is thrilled to be playing the role of Kinship in this production. 

“While family is there for you, or at least should be there for you, you’re responsible for yourself, and you can’t always rely on family,” she said in reference to her character’s mindset on helping Everybody. 

“My character emphasizes independence and importance of being there for yourself,” Zaleski said.

Zaleski can be seen playing Margot in an independent production of Legally Blonde, coming to Memorial Auditorium in March 2020. 

“Everybody,” will make its debut in Memorial Auditorium on Nov. 6, 2019, with a five-show run, concluding on Nov. 10, 2019. 

Tickets can be purchased online at ship.ticketleap.com, for $8 (plus fees), along with more information regarding the performance. Tickets for each performance are limited, so make sure to buy them in advance to ensure your attendance at the show. 

For questions, visit the music & theatre arts department page on ship.edu, or contact Peet.

For Katherine Hargrove, a junior history and interdisciplinary arts major, this is her first time in the Theatre Practicum course, but she is no stranger to the Memorial Auditorium stage. 

She has previously been in Act V Theatre Co.’s productions of “Tracks,” “Dear Harvey” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” 

Hargrove has also written and performed, “Drama Whore,” a one-woman show in spring 2019.

Hargrove plays the roles of God, Understanding and Usher in “Everybody.” With three roles, her characters surprisingly do not interact with many other cast members, which she said has challenged her as an actor. 

“It’s been really interesting to engage with others to the fullest in such limited circumstances,” Hargrove said.

Excited to gather as much on-stage time with her friends as possible, Cassie Zaleski, a senior social work major, is thrilled to be playing the role of Kinship in the production. 

“While family is there for you, or at least should be there for you, you’re responsible for yourself, and you can’t always rely on family,” she said in reference to her character’s mindset on helping “Everybody.” 

“My character emphasizes independence and importance of being there for yourself,” Zaleski said.

Zaleski can be seen playing Margot in an independent production of “Legally Blonde,” coming to Memorial Auditorium in March 2020. 

“Everybody,” will make its debut at Memorial Auditorium on Nov. 6, with a five-show run, concluding on Nov. 10. 

Tickets can be purchased online at ship.ticketleap.com, for $8 (plus fees), along with more information regarding the performance. Tickets for each performance are limited, so make sure to buy them in advance to ensure your attendance at the show. 

For questions, visit the SU’s Music and Theatre Arts Department page on ship.edu, or contact Peet.

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