NWC to present ‘Everything is Wonderful’

ORANGE CITY—Family, faith, and forgiveness are the theme of “Everything is Wonderful,” the Northwestern College Theatre Department’s fall production.

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 14 and 19-21 in the DeWitt Theatre Arts Center’s England Proscenium Theatre in Orange City, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Written by Chelsea Marcantel, “Everything is Wonderful” tells the story of a young woman who returns to her Amish family following the tragic deaths of her brothers, only to discover that the man responsible is living with them.

As he seeks forgiveness and she demands justice, the family must confront painful questions about faith, love, and belonging.

Laurel Koerner, a new professor of theatre at Northwestern, directs the six-member cast in this contemporary drama that explores the beauty and challenges of life within a religious community.

“While the setting is a present-day Amish colony, its themes of family, faith, grief, harm, forgiveness, and belonging are deeply relevant,” Koerner said. “Ultimately, this story is one of hope, with moments of joy, humor, and glimmers of light shining in darkness.”

The production addresses challenging subjects, including sexual violence, trauma, addiction, and child loss, and is recommended for ages 14 and older.

Northwestern is partnering with local support organizations to provide information about available resources in the theatre lobby.

“Our hope is that the play’s honest approach to difficult topics will be a blessing to see carefully staged with truth and love,” Koerner said. “Acknowledging deep wounds is part of tending them. The story reminds us that we need one another, and healing happens best in community.”

Cast members are:

Miri: Dana Sorenson, senior, North Platte, NE. Abram: Micah De Young, junior, Orange City. Esther: Emily Espinoza, senior, Schleswig. Jacob: Mackenna Thurman, senior, Florence, MT. Ruth: Ruthie Zimmerman, senior, Norfolk, NE. Eric: George Livingston, junior, Orange City. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and may be reserved at nwciowa.edu/tickets, by calling the box office at 712-707-7098, or by e-mailing boxoffice@nwciowa.edu.

NWC to present ‘Everything is Wonderful’

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