Alma College Theater presents “The Wolves”

KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER

GRACE MAIN
STAFF WRITER

10/28/2024

The Alma College Theater is presenting the one-act play “The Wolves” on campus starting on Oct. 31. After rehearsing and working on the production since September, “The Wolves” premieres in the Strosacker Theater of the Remick Heritage Center on campus on Oct. 31 at 7:30 pm. The other three shows are on Nov. 1-2 at 7:30 pm and a matinee on Nov. 3 at 2:30 pm.

“The Wolves,” a play written by Sarah DeLappe, recounts six Sunday mornings of a women’s high school-aged soccer team, the Wolves, warming up before their game. The characters, who are identified by their jersey numbers, go through the struggles of growing up, handling conflicts and making friends, but are unified through the bond that soccer has given them.

“The stage is all turf which is super cool, and there is netting up all around the stage to separate the audience from the stage,” said Catie Carey (‘27), who plays #7.      

The actors also go through stretches, warm-ups and practice like a regular soccer team to get into character and prepare for the role. 

“I have ever been a part of where soccer practice has been a regular part of the rehearsal process,” said Ruth Losey(‘27), Stage Manager.

Also unique is how the cast is set up. This is an all-female production, and the cast is only ten members, nine teammates and the Soccer Mom. 

“I don’t recall us doing an all-female show in my time or beyond in Alma Theatre,” said Gwen Magiera (‘25), Stage Manager.      

“Scene 5 is the hardest scene because it’s so raw and vulnerable,” said Magiera. These subjects hit the message of the importance of friendship.

“I would say it focuses a lot on relationships of young women, and how impactful close relationships can be,” said Carey.

“The dialogue is very snappy, sarcastic, funny and always keeps you on the edge of your seat. Multiple different, rapid-fire conversations occur all at once, so the show is never dull,” said Cody Deisler (‘25), Assistant Director. 

“[There] are lots of lines overlapping each other, arguments and swear words,” said Carey. 

Much like the characters, the cast and crew have grown together as well throughout the rehearsal process. 

“The cast and crew are getting along really well. We have highs and lows, but it’s like a family,” said Magiera.

To prepare and seek guidance to act, manage and direct, the cast and crew visited the Flint Repatory Theater to watch Godspell, a show set where the stage is a swimming pool.  

“I loved it, I think it was awesome that we got that opportunity, and it absolutely inspired me. I walked out of there speechless… Seeing live theater really is inspirational and motivational and encourages you to push yourself to a higher standard,” said Emerson Inzeo (‘27), who plays #25.

Admission is free for Alma College students, faculty, staff, and those 18 and under. Tickets for adults and seniors can be purchased through the Heritage Center website. The Wolves is rated for audiences ages 13+ because of adult language and the difficult topics discussed.

This show will not be the last of the year for the Alma College Theater Department. “Alma is producing two shows this year. The first being The Wolves and the second will be an original story co-produced by our director Kelli Crump and Alpha Psi Omega, the Theatre’s honorary organization on campus. This original show, “Storytime Scots,” will premiere in the winter,” said Deisler.