By Zach Palermo
Staff Writer
Freshmen tend to not be given much responsibility in theater, but one student has proven to be an exception.
Bryanna England has a lot on her plate. A theater and broadcast journalism double major, she played one of the principal characters in the department’s production of “A Barrel Full of Pennies.”
The play opened Oct. 5 and ran through Oct. 9 in W.D. Powell Theatre in the Penick Academic Complex.
England played the role of Alicia Samaritan, daughter of the family patriarch, Adonis Samaritan.
Union alumnus Chris Bennett directed the show.
“It’s a comedy about … this strange family and how, though it’s very strange, it works,” Bennett said.
“She plays a character that, I assume, is quite a stretch for her … a sassy New York claims receptionist. Her character has a bit of an edge,” Bennett said.
“She’s been doing very well,” he said. “She’s pleasant, easy to work with and brings something to the table.”
“She seems to be very well-trained,” Bennett added. “It seems to give her a very solid background.”
England was excited about her role.
“It’s been everything I’ve wanted and more,” she said. “I love it; I love the theater. I always have.”
England was thankful for cast members’ support.
“I love the people that I’m working with … I don’t feel like the awkward freshman,” England said. “I just feel like the youngest one that they’re helping out.”
England also enjoyed working with Bennett.
“He’ll talk about being on the stage,” England said. “He’s been where we are.”
