Elmira College Theatre Presents Men On Boats

Elmira College’s Theatre program opens the 2024-2025 season with a wild ride down the Colorado River with a satirical take on the 1869 John Wesley Powell expedition, titled, Men on Boats.

The action-packed play relates the true story of how the crews of four boats endured the brutal conditions of the river, suffering overturned boats, lost provisions, and the haunting specter of what Powell called “the Great Unknown.” However, playwright Jacklyn Backhaus upends traditional casting by requiring 10 actors who identify as women or non-binary to play the 13 male characters.

“It’s exciting to play a character based on a real person,” shared Joyanna Lynn ’27, who joined the cast as Major Powell. “I’ve enjoyed learning about the expedition. And as a woman, it’s fascinating to get to play this Civil War veteran and military leader.”

Elmira College Theatre Presents Men On Boats

The following performances are scheduled in Gibson Theatre, Emerson Hall:

  • 7:30 p.m., Friday, November 8

  • 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9

  • 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 9

Tickets are free for Elmira College students and employees, and those 17 and under. For everyone else, tickets are $5 and can be purchased online, by calling (607) 735-1981, or at the door.

Questions can be directed to Sarah Chalmers, Lecturer of Applied Theatre and Theatre Program Manager, at schalmers@elmira.edu.

Parking is available for free in any EC parking lot. See the Campus Map for more information.

Performers include

Elmira College students

  • Asher Askins ’28

  • T.J. Boyd ’28

  • Jinx Hill ’28

  • Ash Indelicato ’28

  • Joyanna Lynn ’27

  • Lee Maras ’27

  • Mia Pavon ’26

  • Piper Phillips ’28

  • Zoe Slater ’28

Community member

  • Neo Spiering

The technical crew includes

Elmira College faculty and students

  • Sarah Chalmers (director)

  • Quinn Wilson ’28 (stage manager)

  • Kyle Artone (set and costumes)

  • Scott McGuire (lights)

  • Finch Hartwick '27 (props)

  • Filomena Jack (Costume Shop Coordinator and graphic designer)

Community member

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