Sept. 29, 2008 issue
Musical comedy will premiere at EMU
By Jim Bishop Eastern Mennonite UniversityHARRISONBURG, Va. — For those who’ve asked, “What Would Lloyd Do?”, some possible answers to this not-so-rhetorical question are provided in a new play — with music written by and starring Ted Swartz and Trent Wagler — which will premiere Oct. 10-11 at Eastern Mennonite University’s homecoming and parents weekend.
A new theater work by Ted Swartz, left, and Trent Wagler will highlight homecoming and parents weekend Oct. 10-12 at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. “WWLD: What Would Lloyd Do?” is a musical comedy written by and starring Swartz and Wagler and directed by Ingrid De Sanctis. The production includes guest artist Jay Lapp and features music groups The Steel Wheels, Shekinah and Sons of the Day.
— Photo by Jon Styer/EMU
In the two-act, 90-minute play, a struggling inner-city church recruits a new pastor, Mike (Swartz), and music director, Jeff (Wagler). Coming from different generations, the two discover conflict and commonality — well, some commonality.
As their relationship grows, they wrestle with issues of doubt, disappointment and hope. On top of all this, they take over a tired radio show that must be broadcast each Sunday morning.
“The play has great original music and lots of humor as it examines important themes for life and the church,” Swartz said.
The director is Ingrid De Sanctis, who has worked previously with Swartz and the late Lee Eshleman. Swartz and Eshleman performed together for 20 years as “Ted & Lee.”
De Sanctis has rejoined the theater department at EMU and also teaches part time at James Madison University.
The cast includes guest artist Jay Lapp from Goshen, Ind., and Wagler’s band, The Steel Wheels, along with local a cappella groups Shekinah and Sons of the Day.
What Would Lloyd Do? will be presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 10-11 in Lehman Auditorium.
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