LUTD presents world premiere of ‘The Self-Destruction of Emma James’
Hardworking wife and mother Emma James wants it all — a family and career. But when she gets the job offer of her wildest dreams, at what cost will it come?
Lamar University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents “The Self-Destruction of Emma James” through Feb 16.
In this fever dream of a play, an extremely stressed Emma James (Kiera Howington) fights her “Inner Emma” (Juliana McManus) as she tries to return to the workforce after having children.
Written and directed by playwright Kate Brennan, this Groundhog Day-esque play takes the audience on a wild ride through Emma’s busy day of being a mother, grabbing a coffee from her local barista Xander (Porter LaPray), going to a doctor’s appointment, and navigating Nutella, (Shelby Eason) the short-tempered receptionist at a mysterious company where Emma is interviewing. Emma soon realizes that her dream job has turned into a hellish nightmare as she is tasked with cleaning up the mess of her predecessor.
The cast brings several unforgettable characters to the stage. Howington’s Emma has a neurotic and compelling nurturing disposition that keeps the audience rooting for her to the end.
LaPray’s multitude of characters vary in personality from people-pleasing Bryce to an apathetic doctor, and he keeps the audience guessing throughout the play.
Eason’s portrayal of Nutella is loveable, yet comically ill-mannered.
McManus’ Inner Emma acts as a foil as she embodies a more relaxed and mischievous internal version of the protagonist.
“Emma James” makes the audience question the minute annoyances of our society, such as, “Why am I being asked if I am a human to log into my account?” or “Why can’t plastic bags be easier to open?”
“The Self-Destruction of Emma James” is attention grabbing from start to finish.
Showtimes are Feb. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Content warnings include open flames and strobe lighting.
General admission tickets are $15, $10 for seniors, $7 for students with LU ID, and 5$ for children 12 and under. For tickets, visit lamar.edu/lutdtix.