“An Inspector Calls” Brings Mystery to Asbury’s Greathouse Theatre
November 7, 2019
On a misty night in 1912, the wealthy Birling family hides a deadly conspiracy. But their façade of aristocratic stability is shattered by the arrival of Inspector Goole, a mysterious man determined to unravel the mystery of a young girl’s death at any cost.
Directed by Asbury University Professor Carol Anderson, “An Inspector Calls,” opening Nov. 14 in the University’s Greathouse Theatre, is a thrilling show about scandal, secrets and how one person’s actions can have dire consequences on another’s life.
“Think Hitchcock meets ‘The Twilight Zone,’” said Anderson. “Woven into a delicious detective mystery, you can take it as sheer entertainment or something more.”
The play is a dramatic departure from shows the theatre department has previously put on. The story and the actors lean heavily into its themes of helplessness and the consequences of ignorance.
For many in the cast as well, this show has provided the opportunity to portray roles they never had the chance to before.
“I’ve only ever done super comedic stuff,” said Frankie Taylor ’20. “That’s actually why I auditioned for the show. I never get a chance to be the serious guy.”
Taylor, known for his work in Asbury’s biannual sketch comedy show ‘Friday Night Live,’ plays the titular and entirely non-comedic role of Inspector Goole.
“The inspector… he’s so serious, he’s so heavy,” said Taylor. “It’s nothing like anything I’ve ever played before.”
Despite the unprecedented nature of its content, “An Inspector Calls” is shaping up to be one of the most electric plays this year.
Joining Taylor are fellow student cast members Jackson Wilhelmi ‘21, Morgan LeBeau ’21, Matthew Smitley ‘20, Christa Lain ’22, Aeden Humphrey ‘23 and Morgan Owen ’22.
“They’re doing a wonderful job bringing this show to life,” Anderson said. “The acting savvy and chemistry of this cast is exciting to see!”
With its timeless themes, and a gripping performance delivered by Asbury’s talented theatre students, “An Inspector Calls” will certainly prove to entertain and enthrall viewers.
“An Inspector Calls” will show in the Greathouse Theatre Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 21-22 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee show will be held on Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors ages 65 and up, and $8 for the general public. Purchase tickets online here.
Learn more about the Theatre & Cinema Performance major at Asbury.
by Cooper Boss ’22