Friedrich Schiller’s Mary Stuart, which deals with the conflict between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots in the days leading up to Mary’s execution, is the first production in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance’s 2024-2025 season. The show opens Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stevens Building’s Black Box Theatre. Individual show and season tickets are on sale now online. Additional performances are Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, October 6 at 2 p.m., Thursday October 10 and Friday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 12 at 2 p.m.
Mary Stuart is directed by Bethany Mangum-Oles.
“I fell in love with this play when I first read it,” Mangum-Oles wrote in her director’s notes for the show. “I knew I wanted to work on it in some way; not only for the fantastic roles for womxn but because of the parallels in our current reality. One thing I didn’t expect from the play was the peace I felt from the queens standing in their convictions. The strength and bravery it takes to stand in them fully and unapologetically is enormous. May we all search for that.”
There will be a talkback after the performance Saturday, October 5 moderated by Kay Martinovich, assistant professor and head of BFA acting, with members of the cast and crew. The moderator will speak with the production team, and there will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience. Talkbacks typically run 20-30 minutes.
Mary Stuart Cast
Elizabeth, Queen of England – Cornelia Reed
Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots – Julia Isabella Prieto
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester – Tyler Page
George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury – Sophia Dimond
William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, Lord High Treasurer – Hardy Louihis
Sir William Davison, Secretary of State – David JC Alvarado
Sir Amias Paulet, Keeper of Mary – Phoebe Aston
Sir Edward Mortimer, Paulet’s nephew – Paul James Lang
Count L’Aubespine, the French Ambassador – Skylee Pierce
Sir Andrew Melvil, Mary’s House Steward – Phoebe Aston
Hannah Kennedy, Mary’s Nurse – Gabby Gozdecki
Margaret Curl, Mary’s Attendant – Delaney Langan
Director: Bethany Mangum-Oles
Assistant Director: Riley Scifo
Costume Consultant: Jeremy Floyd
Voice and Speech Coach: Stanton Davis
Acting Coach: Kay Martinovich
Music Coordination: Sophia Dimond, Cornelia Reed, Gabby Gozdecki
Lighting Designer: Emily Christianson
Lighting Assistant: Ross Wheeler
Head Electrician: Chris Kurszewski
Technical Coordinator: Bridget Kearbey
Properties: Dave Doherty
Movement and Intimacy Coordination: Bethany Mangum-Oles
Fight Consultant: Stanton Davis, Tyler Page
Dramaturg: Gabby Gozdecki
Stage Manager: Jessica Ferreira
Assistant Stage Manager: Gabriel Ford
This show is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes and will have a 15-minute intermission.
Mary Stuart
Stevens Building Black Box Theatre
7:30 p.m. – Oct. 4-5, 10-11
2 p.m. – Oct. 6 and 12
For bios and a full list of cast and crew see the full program online.
