University of Scranton Players to Present ‘The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket’

Sep 15, 2015

The University of Scranton Players rehearse a scene from “The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket,” which will be performed at the Joseph M. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts Sept. 18-20 and Sept. 25-27. Front row, from left: Victoria Kusy, Latrice Smith and Ian Weir. Second row: Brian Lenahan, Christie Civil and Jessica D’Aquila. Back row: Nicolas Gangone, Daniel Mauro and James Pennington.

The University of Scranton Players will begin their 2015-2016 season with “The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket,” written by Peter Parnell and directed by returning guest artist Bob E. Gasper (“columbinus,” “Speech & Debate,” “A Year with Frog & Toad”).

“The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket,” one of Parnell’s early works, follows a group of friends from sixth grade to adulthood and centers around Daniel Rocket, who is firmly convinced that he can fly, a belief that causes him to be shunned and ridiculed by his schoolmates and grownups alike. Oddly enough, it turns out that Daniel can fly and his ability takes him to heights of fame and fortune. Twenty years later, when Daniel returns home, he finds himself isolated – not only from his childhood – but from simple joys and tender emotions shared by those he has left behind.

Performances of “The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket” take place in the Joseph M. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts, and run from Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20 and Sept. 25-27. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The production features Ian Weir of Palmetto, Florida, (as Daniel Rocket), Victoria Kusy of Scranton (as Alice), Brian Lenahan of Elizabeth, New Jersey, (as Richard), Megan Lasky of Chester, New Jersey, (as Mrs. Rice), Christie Civil of Sharon Hill (as Judy), Jessica D’Aquila of Brookfield, Connecticut (as Penny), Nicolas Gangone of Howard Beach, New York, (as Roger), Daniel Mauro of Long Valley, New Jersey, (as Steven), James Pennington of West Wyoming (as Jeffery), and Latrice Smith of Philadelphia (as Claudia). Local students involved in the production include Kusy, Pennington and Megan Esty of Scranton, who is assisting with stage management.

Tickets are available by reservation, or may be purchased at the box office located on the first floor of the McDade Center the night of the performance. General admission tickets are $10. Tickets are $7 for students, children, senior citizens, and University of Scranton faculty and staff.

For more information about the University Players or the play, contact the Players Box Office at 570-941-4318 or email uofsplayers@gmail.com, or visit www.thescrantonplayers.com. ​

Back to Top