IC Theatre Presents ‘Marisol’

By Marcus Illingworth ’21, April 17, 2019
José Rivera’s play draws attention to persistent social issues and sparks collaboration with local charitable organizations.

Marisol poster

The final mainstage production of Ithaca College Theatre’s spring 2019 season challenges the status quo by exploring subjects of war, violence, homelessness and societal upheaval. José Rivera’s “Marisol” opens April 25 in Ithaca College’s Hoerner Theatre. The play inspires action, and IC Theatre will offer audiences the chance to take action right outside the theatre doors by offering opportunities to donate to local charities.

“Marisol” follows Marisol Perez, a Puerto Rican copy editor living in Manhattan who finds herself caught in the crossfire as angels start a revolution to overthrow God. The angels are trying to restore order and beauty to the world, and Marisol struggles to maintain her sanity in the midst of the dangerous environment crumbling around her.

Playwright José Rivera faced many of the societal issues tackled by the play in his time living in the Bronx, New York, and has seen the play take on new life in today’s increasingly erratic world. “The play attempts to define the ways in which the world has ceased to make sense,” said Rivera in his playwright’s statement.

Ticket Information

Performances of “Marisol” will run April 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 27-28 at 2 p.m., with a special preview performance on April 23. Tickets are on sale now at https://tickets.ithaca.edu/marisol. Tickets may also be purchased over the phone at (607) 274-3224, or in person at the Ithaca College Theatre Box Office in Dillingham Center. The box office is open noon-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon-4 p.m. on Friday.

IC Theatre will give theatregoers inspired by “Marisol” a chance to address issues in their own community through a charitable effort spearheaded by production dramaturg Isobel Duncan ’20. Donation boxes accepting toiletries for the Saint John’s Community Services Homeless Shelter will be in the main lobby of the theatre during performances, and cast members will collect monetary donations for Food Bank of the Southern Tier after each show. A list of ways people can take action and make a difference in their local community will be distributed at the theatre doors.

“We think these charities help provide crucial resources and education to our Ithaca community.” said Duncan. “I hope the audience is compelled to take action both in the lobby and in the future.”

Cast and Crew

The cast of “Marisol” features:

  • Juliana Betancur ’19 as “Marisol”
  • Erin Lockett ’20 as “Angel”
  • Katherine Nevils ’21 as “June”
  • Joshua Wilde ’19 as “Lenny”
  • Jahmar Ortiz ’21 as “Scar Tissue”
  • Leah Saltzer ’19 as “Woman with Furs”
  • Adam Kluge ’22 as “Man with Golf Club”
  • Constantine Mickens ’21 as “Man with Ice Cream”

The cast also includes Kayla Bauzyk-Naranjo ’21, Ronee Goldman ’21, Kellik Dawson ’20, Neftali Benitez ’22, Jessica Brock ’22, Ali Bourzgui ’21, Tessa Coleman ’22, Jeffrey Hines-Mohrman ’22, Andrew Jacobson ’22, Isabelle Dickey ’21, Mayson Sonntag ’22 and Emily Mesa ’22.

The senior creative/design team includes:

  • Wendy Dann – Director
  • TJ Lyons ’19 – Assistant Director
  • Isobel Duncan ’20 – Dramaturg
  • J.C. Meyer-Crosby – Intimacy Director
  • Rodrigo Hernandez ’19  – Scenic Designer
  • Nico Gonzalez ’20 – Costume Designer
  • Shane Hennessy ’19 – Lighting Designer
  • Ron Ziomek ’19 – Sound Designer
  • Raven Bartlett ’20 – Projection Designer
Content Advisory

“Marisol” contains the use of loud sound effects, haze atmospheric effects and non-functional firearms. The play deals with mature themes that may not appropriate for viewers under 17.