Southern Virginia University invites audiences to enjoy an evening of laughter and charm with its upcoming theatre production of “Beau Jest” by James Sherman.
Performances will take place April 10–11 and 16–18 at 7:30 p.m. in the university’s Performing Arts Center (1 University Hill Drive). Doors open at 7 p.m.
Directed by returning guest artist Brent Hanson, “Beau Jest” brings a mix of humor and heart to the stage. Hanson, who served on SVU’s theater faculty from 2016 to 2021, expressed his enthusiasm for returning: “It’s good to be back for one more show. It’s easy to love this beautiful campus and its people, and it is very satisfying to work with eager students and talented colleagues.”
Hanson was first introduced to “Beau Jest” shortly after its successful off-Broadway run and was immediately captivated. “I was drawn to the humanity of the characters and to the sparkling sense of fun in the script,” he explained.
The play, which centers on identity, family expectations and love, also offers a thoughtful exploration of Jewish family dynamics.
“The respectful dip into contemporary Jewish culture in the play is an added bonus for SVU students and audiences,” Hanson noted. “We were fortunate to have coaching from Sofie Ramirez Soto, Jewish Life program director at Washington and Lee University. Her generous and informative help enriched our understanding of the ideas and characters in the play.”
Balancing meaningful themes with lighthearted comedy, “Beau Jest” promises an uplifting theatrical experience, Hanson said. “The play shows real people wrestling with real problems, but it manages to do so with laughter and a light touch. The main goal is to put smiles on the faces of audience members and send them out the door after the show with optimism and refreshed hearts. We can always use that!”
Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite. com (bit.ly/svubeau).
