(Photo Courtesy of Anton Grankin) “Cast of ‘Peace in Our Time.'”
Benjamin Heffner
Connector Editor
UMass Lowell’s student drama club, the Off Broadway Players (OBP), is preparing to open their fall play production of Noël Coward’s “Peace in Our Time.”
Set during World War II, “Peace in our Time” is a what-if show about a group of Londoners at a saloon bar called “The Shy Gazelle” following if Nazi Germany had invaded and occupied the United Kingdom.
“The Shy Gazelle” is run by Fred and Nora Shattock, played by juniors Connor Malito and Ashleigh Santos respectively.
Malito, a double history and psychology major, refers to Fred as a “community man.” Malito says, “When we first got into [this play], we were asked to essentially consider what is most important to [our] person. He’s very well read, although he cares more about justice and protecting his community from fascism than giving to it.”
Malito adds that he has learned about Fred through their share of emotions. He said, “If you get stuck up on things emotionally, then you’re not going to be able to function as a person.”
Santos, a computer science major, reflected on Nora in terms of her dedication to running “The Shy Gazelle”. She says, “She’s there when people need her and so she kind of plays into the background a bit as that constant movement and everyday force.”
Santos adds that the more she has gotten to learn about Nora, the more connected she feels to her through their share of keeping themselves occupied. She says, “She needs to always keep busy and do something during the stressful moments of her life instead of sitting down in the moment and actually processing everything.”
One of the bar’s patrons includes a handsome and well-dressed German named Albrecht Richter, played by senior Guthrie Haydon.
Haydon, a mechanical engineering major, says Richter’s role is trying to interrogate certain people to get them on their good side. He says, “He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing trying to figure out more about this resistance group that’s formed between the many characters.”
Haydon adds that he enjoys playing a villainous character. He says, “I’ve never had the opportunity to play a controversial character. I’m playing a character who you kind of love to hate on stage.”
Other patrons of the bar include Lily Blake, played by freshman Wren Clougher, and Janet Braid, played by freshman Allyson Gomez-Martin.
“Peace in our Time” will perform on Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m., Nov. 8 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Nov. 9 at 2:00 p.m., with all performances at the Comley Lane Theatre at Mahoney Hall.
Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for general admission and can be purchased online at https://uml.estore.flywire.com/products/PeaceInOurTime or via cash at the door.
OBP also hosts general body meetings open to all students every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in McGauvran 313.
Santos, who serves on the club’s e-board as membership coordinator, encourages all students to get involved. She says, “Whether you want to come and just hang out, learn more about theatre in general, make friends, you’re always welcome one way or another.”
