The Theory of Relativity by: Brett Briggeman

The Theory of Relativity is an upcoming musical theater production that will be performed at Hardin-Simmons University by the HSU Department of Theatre. 

The Theory of Relativity, written by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill, will be performed from April 10-12 at 7:30 p.m., and on April 13 at 2 p.m. in the Van Ellis Theatre. This musical is directed by Dr. Stace Gaddy, assistant professor of theater, with Dr. Bob Brooks, dean of the College of Arts and Media filling the role of musical director.

“The Theory of Relativity is an interesting sort of musical, because there really is no plot,” Samantha Strawn, sophomore musical theater major from San Antonio said. “It's almost completely sung through, but with no overarching storyline, which is often called a song cycle, because each of the characters' songs have their own plot, but those plots, for the most part, do not intersect. However, the overarching theme of the show is that everyone is connected to each other, and we all have an impact on each other's lives simply by existing.”

Strawn plays a character in the musical named Mira, singing a song called Promise Me This. She is also part of the lighting crew for the show and has helped with the construction of the set.

“Originally, The Theory of Relativity wasn't going to be in our season of shows,” Strawn said. “But, after and through a series of unfortunate circumstances, our professors decided that ultimately that it would be the best for our department to do this show. Several of us were able to see The Theory of Relativity during our trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland over the summer.”

“We've been rehearsing for almost five weeks at this point in time, and we'll have a total of seven weeks by show time. I know the artistic team has been putting in a tremendous amount of effort in these past weeks.”

Strawn said that she is most excited to see the finalized lighting for the show, and has really enjoyed seeing the creative process of those involved in Theory of Relativity shine through.

“One of the things I've enjoyed the most through the process is being able to see the creativity of the designers as they work on their different aspects of the show,” Strawn said. “It really is a show that you have to be creative with, because there's no overall plot or direction in the script when it comes to the production elements of the show. Our set is going to be really cool, and I'm looking forward to people seeing it. I am most excited for the lights.”

“An amazing thing about this show is that our music director is the wonderful dean of our brand new College of Arts and Media (CAM).” Strawn said. “It's a joy to work with Dr. Brooks, and we're all looking forward to showing everyone what we've been working on, so be ready to expect some great things.”