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As an EXCEL Scholar, biology major Julie McNeish ’09 (Southbury, Conn.) is the dramaturge and stage manager for the upcoming production of Urinetown, the Musical, which is directed by Mary Jo Lodge, assistant professor of English. McNeish is also a member of the field hockey team.
Now in my senior year, I can honestly say that Professor Lodge has changed my focus at college dramatically. As a freshman, I unenthusiastically enrolled in her First-Year Seminar because it was the only one that would fit my schedule. Since then, I have taken four classes with Professor Lodge, studied abroad with her, and worked on two productions she directed.
Urinetown will be my third and final show with Professor Lodge after a packed four years. This semester, in addition to being the assistant stage manager for the musical, I have become an EXCEL Scholar and served as production dramaturge for the show. A dramaturge is a research specialist for a theater production. She researches the historical and social conditions, specific locations, time periods, and theatrical styles of the play or musical. My job is to assist Professor Lodge and the entire creative team and company by supplying as much information about the historical and theatrical context as possible.
I have compiled a large dramaturgical file for the company that anyone can reference if in need of information. This is extremely pertinent to this musical, as Urinetown spoofs other musicals such as Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, and West Side Story. In order for everyone to understand the connection we were making to these classic shows, I provided a synopsis of each production and their implications, as well as pictures, so that similar moments could be created. It has been an amazing project to do this in conjunction with being the assistant stage manager, a position which involves supervising the backstage crew during the show.
Although I do not plan to have a career in theater, it has become one of my truest passions. Upon graduation, I hope to attend dental school next fall, as I have worked to do so for the past three years, but I will continue to be a dedicated audience member.
Most people are surprised when they hear I am a biology major, a field hockey player, and a dramaturge/assistant stage manager, but I equally love all three, and Lafayette has made it possible for me to embrace all of my passions. At times it has been difficult balancing all of my interests, but working with Professor Lodge has been absolutely incredible. She is unbelievably talented, devoted, and hardworking. I have her to thank for helping me find such a passion that has allowed me the opportunity to travel, be backstage, and work on this EXCEL project.
Finally, I should mention that Urinetown is coming along incredibly and is absolutely hysterical. I recommend that everyone who is looking for an upbeat, hilarious, and fun evening buy a ticket immediately as they will surely sell out soon.