With a talented cast and meaningful plotline, “The House at Pooh Corner” shows audiences the struggles and beauty of friendship.
Belmont University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is set to open the Bettye Knapp adapted play on Friday in the Black Box Theater.
Directed by faculty member Shawn Knight, the adaptation centers around the quandaries of the Pooh crew and the bonds that keeps them together. Working through friendship and growth, the group of friends find the brevity in life.
“When you love someone, you do life with someone, and when you part you continue them on,” said CJ Waligurski who plays Roo.
For some castmates, the characters are directly related to their lives.
“Christopher Robin is in a transitional point of his life,” senior Jack Tanzi said when comparing his role to his final 45 days as a Belmont student.
Set designer Isaac Burrier also relates to the residents of Pooh’s community as he spoke of his mental health.
“I relate to the anxiousness of most of the characters and the depression of Eeyore,” said Burrier.
Covering many important topics with warmth, laughter and connection goes hand-in-hand with Knight’s intended message.
“We are more able to handle things than we realize, and friends help us get to that point,” Knight said.
Beyond realizing the importance of friendship and acceptance, senior Jake Wallace — who plays Tigger — hopes audiences experience “an ensemble show of pure beauty that impacts everybody — a full circle moment.”
The show will run until March 30. Belmont students, faculty and staff can reserve tickets here, and students can get CPA convo credit for attending.
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This article written by Justin Savage. Photos by Liz Gresser.