ARC theater department set to perform its annual production of “Gumbo”
“Gumbo” raises funds to help ARC theater students attend the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
Cast member Alexandria Wilson preparing for her role in American River College’s annual production of “Gumbo” which premieres on March 25, 2022. “Gumbo” fundraises for ARC theater students that attend the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. (Photo courtesy of Mark Kushnir)
American River College’s Department of Theater Arts & Film will perform its annual production of “Gumbo,” starting on March 25 at 8 p.m., with additional performances on March 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“Gumbo,” is an annual musical theater variety show to raise funds to help ARC theater students attend the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Spokane, Washington which will take place in February 2023.
“Gumbo” honors the legacy of Jenna Faeth and Andy Hoover. According to the ARC theater and film website, Faeth and Hoover were two ARC theater students who died while returning from the theater festival in 2008.
The show has a different theme every year and features a collection of the best talent in the ARC theater department. This year’s show is a fast-paced exploration of birth and rebirth.
Cast member Tara Cramerus-Mills, who will be performing in her seventh “Gumbo,” says that she got to attend a few of the theater festivals and the students had their travel provided to them through the show’s fundraising.
“The fact that they’re doing it to make sure that students have a safe way to travel is really cool and a really neat way to do it,” Cramerus-Mills said.
According to Cramerus-Mills, audiences who attend the show should expect to have fun and to have their heartstrings pulled.
“We definitely touch on every emotion while going throughout all of “Gumbo,”” Cramerus-Mills said.
Cast member Charlton Graham says the cast has been working really hard and they’ve dedicated a lot of time towards the show.
“We have all done amazing together and I think we’re going to do amazing when we perform and make it look really good,” Graham said.
Live performances will take place at ARC’s Stage 2 Theater. The production run time is two hours. Tickets for the show are $5 and can be purchased at the door or online at this link. Donations are appreciated.
Proof of vaccination is required for audience members and masks are optional but encouraged.
For any additional information about the show, visit the ARC theater website here.
