'Murder on the Orient' hits the GTA stage
Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA) has assembled a cast of characters including a world-famous sleuth and combined them with a rotating set to bring Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" to the stage.
GTA is a one-of-a-kind, nationally recognized collaboration between the University of North Georgia (UNG) and Brenau University. Utilizing hands-on, individualized training while emphasizing ensemble and collaboration between programs, GTA boasts a production program rivaling the largest theater schools in the country.
GTA's production crew broke new ground this fall with an unconventional set for Agatha Christie's novel, which was adapted by playwright Ken Ludwig. Traditionally, "Murder on the Orient Express" is performed with the audience seeing the front view of the train and interaction among characters. However, the Ed Cabell Theatre stage at UNG allows the audience to view the performance from three sides.
"Our Ed Cabell stage presented multiple design, transition, and blocking challenges that have all been difficult to navigate, but we overcame it with a unique solution,” Zechariah Pierce, director of the show and associate professor of theatre at UNG, said.
'Murder on the Orient Express'
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 19-22; and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23.
Where: Ed Cabell Theatre, Performing Arts building, UNG's Gainesville Campus, 3040 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia.
Tickets: $16-$24 for community members and $5 for UNG and Brenau students, faculty, and staff.
For more info: Visit GTA website.
Jayme McGhan, GTA artistic director and scenic designer for the show, employed a turntable platform.
"It gives the audience an ever-changing view of the show," McGhan, head of UNG's Department of Theatre, said.
This gives the audience a different vantage point to watch the play that is filled with glamour, intrigue and suspense as well as a healthy dose of humor.
Theater enthusiasts will have 10 opportunities to watch "Murder on the Orient Express." The play runs from Friday, Oct. 15, to Saturday, Oct. 23. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 19-22 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23. All shows are in the Ed Cabell Theatre inside the Performing Arts building on UNG's Gainesville Campus. The address is 3040 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia.
Tickets range from $16-$24 for community members and $5 for UNG and Brenau students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available online or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.
For more information, visit GTA's website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Support fuels students at UNG's Blue Ridge Campus
UNG celebrated its scholarship recipients and donors and heard some of the students' stories at the Sept. 22 Tomato Sandwich Supper.
Co-authored work accepted into peer-reviewed journal
The co-authored article of Dr. Morgan-Ellis and students Charlotte Nease and Sofia Perez was accepted into a peer-reviewed journal.
GTA opens with 'James and the Giant Peach'
The Gainesville Theatre Alliance will launch its 2026-27 season with 'James and the Giant Peach' from Oct. 2-4 at Brenau University's Pearce Auditorium in Gainesville, Georgia.
Welch uses language skills in South Korea
Brianna Welch, a 2021 graduate, has taken the skills she gained at UNG across the world and embarked on unique and rewarding career path.