Asbury University Theatre will present The Ruby Sunrise by Rinne Groff from Nov. 5–14 in the Greathouse Theatre, located in Asbury’s Miller Center for Communication Arts. Directed by Asbury alumna and guest director Sarah Cole ’20, the production explores the power of innovation, storytelling and perseverance through two generations of women navigating the evolving world of television.
The two-act play begins on an Indiana farm in 1927, where a determined young inventor named Ruby dreams of creating the first electronic television. The story then shifts to 1952 during the Golden Age of Television, when Ruby’s daughter, Lulu, attempts to bring her mother’s remarkable story to the screen amid the political pressures and blacklisting of the McCarthy era.
The production features a talented Asbury student cast, including Gabrielle Stockton ’28, an English and Sociology major who portrays the title character, Ruby.
Before each scene, we sat down and did an additional table read. That’s something new that I haven’t done before. We got to do a lot of talking, writing down ideas, and asking questions. That was really helpful because we got to unpack the characters. For me, those close readings are always fun.”
Students began preparing for the production with auditions in late August and have spent the fall semester developing their characters and bringing both historical settings to life.
Stockton shared how Cole’s collaborative directing approach helped the cast explore their characters and strengthen their performances.
The production invites audiences to reflect on the intersection of creativity, technological advancement and the determination to share stories that might otherwise go untold.
All performances will take place in the Greathouse Theatre at Asbury University.
Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Faculty, staff, students, families and community members are encouraged to attend and support Asbury’s student performers.
Audience Advisory: The Ruby Sunrise includes depictions of alcohol use and mature themes, including McCarthy-era political persecution. The production is suitable for teens and adults.
The Ruby Sunrise is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. Visit www.concordtheatricals.com for more information.
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