UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Centre Stage begins its spring season with a production of “Everybody,” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by Michele Dunleavy, Jeanmarie Higgins, Erik Raymond Johnson, David Kersnar, Jenny Lamb, Steven Snyder and Sebastian Trainor, through Feb. 25 at the Pavilion Theatre on the University Park campus. A finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize, “Everybody” is a wise and joyful riff on the 15th-century morality play “Everyman.”
The action follows an ordinary human, Everybody, on their final journey to life’s greatest mystery — mortality itself. When Death comes calling, Everybody begs to be allowed companions for the trip, but Friendship, Kinship, Cousin and Stuff each rebuff Everybody’s invitation; Beauty, Strength, Senses and Mind also decline. Only Love remains by Everybody’s side to the end. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins transforms this timeless tale about mortality with comic energy and a satirical edge. In his hands, “Everybody” playfully satirizes contemporary culture even as it refreshes our gratitude for the gift of life.
The author, Jacobs-Jenkins, requests that the producers of his show assemble the most diverse ensemble of performers possible. The diversity is meant to underscore the point that “Everybody” is meant to include everybody, and that the journey of the allegorical title character of the story is universal and can legitimately be portrayed by anybody.
As the character “The Usher” explains during the opening scene: “It is specified that the actors’ roles be decided by lottery every night.” That lottery happens on stage as part of the show. “This is done,” continues The Usher, in an attempt to, “destabilize your preconceived notions about identity.”
In practicality, it means that several performers must memorize the entire script of the play, rather than just one role … and that they must also be prepared to act whatever role they happen to be assigned randomly on any given night. With 120 possible casting combinations, in all likelihood, no two performances will be cast alike.
Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. are $20, and tickets for students are $12.50. For additional show information, visit the Penn State Centre Stage website.
