Dickinson State University (DSU) will open a new chapter in the performing arts this fall with the inaugural production of the Blue Hawk Theatre Guild. The student-led organization will present The Foreigner, a fast-paced comedy by Larry Shue, Sept. 18–20 in Dorothy Stickney Auditorium inside May Hall.
Performances will begin at 7 p.m. each evening with doors opening at 6:30.
To enhance the theatre experience, a series of special events will accompany the performances. On Sept. 18, students are invited to “Cue the Tailgate,” a pre-show celebration sponsored by DSU Student Senate and Campus Activities Board.
Following the Sept. 19 performance, audience members can stay for a discussion led by Dr. William Hansard on “How Nativism Began in the U.S.,” complete with coffee and treats provided by the DSU Heritage Foundation (DSU HF).
The final night, Sept. 20, will feature a pre-production southern-style BBQ at Centennial Plaza from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., also sponsored by the DSU HF. The event includes a free meal with the purchase of event tickets, making it a festive kickoff to the closing performance.
The Foreigner, winner of multiple awards for comedy, is a farce built around one outrageous lie. An unsuspecting visitor, mistaken for someone who cannot speak English, overhears more than anyone ever intended. What follows is a tangled web of secrets, schemes, misunderstandings, and ultimately, unexpected heroism.
The production features a talented cast of local graduates. Trinity High School alumna Kylie Zeller takes on the role of Betty Meeks. Dickinson High School graduate and NDHSAA Superior Actor Jackson Halvorson stars as the lead, Charlie Baker. Belfield graduate Ellie Redig portrays Catherine Simms. Their performances, alongside the work of fellow DSU students, bring energy and authenticity to the stage.
With unforgettable characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the production promises an evening of humor and heart. Themes of friendship, identity, and acceptance underscore the story, making it a comedy with both substance and spirit.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to revitalize theatre at DSU,” said Professor Sarah Crossingham, advisor to the Blue Hawk Theatre Guild. “Our students have worked tirelessly to bring this production to life, and I’m so proud of the creativity and dedication they have poured into it.”
DSU President Scott Molander echoed the excitement. “We are thrilled to see theatre return to campus,” he said. “Professor Crossingham and her students have dedicated countless hours to creating this production, and we are proud to support them as they take the stage.”
The play is recommended for audiences ages 12 and up. While there is mild language and comic tension involving prejudice, the humor is clean, clever, and family-friendly. Audiences can expect a production that will have teens, adults, and families laughing together while reflecting on kindness and courage.
Tickets are available at the door and online here https://www.dsualum.org/e/the-foreigner-dsu-theatre-guild.
For more information, contact Professor Sarah Crossingham at Dickinson State University.