Morningside College theatre department to present “Agnes of God”

The Morningside College theatre department will present John Pielmeier’s “Agnes of God” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, November 12-14, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 15, at Klinger-Neal Theatre, 3700 Peters Avenue.

“Agnes of God” tells the story of a novice nun who gives birth to a newborn that dies and then claims the death was the result of a virgin conception. A psychiatrist and the mother superior clash during the resulting investigation.

The play has a cast of only three characters, who are Martha, the psychiatrist; the mother superior; and Agnes, the novice. There are no other actors on stage.

The play was adapted for a movie in 1985 that starred Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft, and Meg Tilly.

Cast members are Whitney Gries, a senior from Onawa, Iowa, as Dr. Martha Livingstone; Geana Schneider, a senior from Merrill, Iowa, as Mother Superior Miriam Ruth; and Madalyn Mardesen, a sophomore from Elliott, Iowa, as Agnes. Gries is also the production’s costume designer.

The play is directed by Bette Skewis-Arnett, professor and chair of the theatre department. She is also the play’s scenic designer. Brittney Foxhoven, a sophomore from South Sioux City, Neb., is stage manager. Art Moss, assistant professor of theatre, is the lighting designer.

Members of the crew include April Parkison, a senior from Omaha, Neb., graphic designer; Andrew Curry, a sophomore from Urbandale, Iowa, backstage manager; Mackenzie Deeds, a senior from Sioux City, house manager; Tom Chilton, a junior from Sioux City, assistant house manager; and Tyrel Drey, a senior from Storm Lake, Iowa, light board operator.

General admission is $5 for adults and $1 for students.