The lights dim, then all of a sudden, there is a spotlight followed by raised voices speaking in prayer. This is how “The Harvest” begins.
Clarence Brown Theatre has been showing this production since Oct. 22, and “The Harvest” will continue showing until Nov. 9.
Upon entering the theatre, staff give directions to general admission seats and warn viewers of the advisories. These advisories include strong language, one scene portraying vomiting, and some strobe-like effects.
Directed by David Ratliff, the original play was created by Samuel D. Hunter. The story is set in the basement of an evangelical church in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It follows a group of young missionaries days before their departure to the Middle East.
Out of the group, a boy named Josh is the center of the plot. Having just experienced the passing of his father, he is in a rough spot in life just before they all set off on their mission trip. The focus is around his conflicts with leaving, mainly because of his sister’s recent arrival after being gone for years.
The production is very well done, starting off the show with a very long and awkward scene to draw the audience in. The young missionaries are all shouting prayers, speaking in tongues and moving around in an uneasy way.
In a full-circle moment, the play ended the same way, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the group after following along with them on those few days prior to their trip.
The cast and crew did a great job of creating drama and high emotion moments through the use of song, dialogue and lighting. There were a lot of impactful moments spread out between the cast as they all went through their own issues, even with the focal point on Josh.
This production is fully student run and casted, except for Jimmy Sherod who plays Chuck — Sherod is a pastor at Central United Methodist Church, as well as Tom’s dad. Theodore Chase Raynor, a junior at UT studying English, plays Josh. The other main members of the cast include Madeline Joyner as Michaela, Josh’s sister, Tyler Monroe as Tom, Izzy Monti-Chapple as Denise, Orianna Stephens as Ada, and Donte Tolson as Marcus.
There is a very powerful scene with Sherod playing Chuck towards the end of the production, just before the youths are about to depart for the airport.
Each character brings a different energy to the story. Marcus and Denise are married, and while they are going through some relationship problems, both characters bring humor to the plot. Ada is very high energy, Michaela is realistic and Tom comes out of his shell as the story goes on.
Without giving too much away, Josh and Michaela start out having some of the deepest conversations, but towards the end, it is Josh and Tom who the audience sees having these tough, heartfelt moments.
Tom got Josh into the church, and they have been friends for a very long time. The audience finds out later that their situation parallels that of another.
The entire production is intense and moving, taking place in the span of roughly three days. In those three days, many things happen that leave the group unsure of their feelings towards going on the mission trip.
It was not all dramatic, however. The actors morphed into their characters so well that the moments without serious dialogue felt much more carefree. Comedic scenes were met with laughter that echoed throughout the audience.
The play ends on the cusp of a big decision for Josh as he struggles to decide whether to stay in Idaho Falls or go on his mission and make a life in the Middle East.
There is a moment of true unity just before the lights dim again, and after witnessing the group’s conversations over the past few days, the audience can grasp what is going on.
It is a very unique story with many complex characters. The emotions showcased are real and relatable, showing just how much everyone in life could be going through.
Students can see this production for free in Clarence Brown’s Lab Theatre. Tickets can be reserved on their website and other information can be found there as well.
