University of Scranton Players to Present ‘Leveling Up’

Nov 8, 2016

 

From left: University of Scranton students Nicolas Gangone and Ali Basalyga along with Scranton alumnus James Pennington are among the featured actors performing in The University of Scranton Players’ presentation of “Leveling Up” by Deborah Zoe Laufer, Friday through Sunday Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-20.

The University of Scranton Players will present “Leveling Up” by Deborah Zoe Laufer and directed by Jess Chayes, Friday through Sunday Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-20. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Joseph M. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts on the University’s campus.

“Leveling Up” is a fresh, contemporary look at how we navigate the blurry line between the virtual and real world. From video games that connect worldwide networks of players to drones that allow us to travel remotely across the globe, technology is bringing us closer together. Or is it? The play examines our world through screens and internet connections and the coming of age of four best friends, asking if this new world bringing us together or driving us apart?

In a basement in Las Vegas, a group twenty-somethings are doing what twenty-somethings do when they’re caught in the gulf between college and the “real world”: playing video games. When one of them applies for a job with the government, the virtual world in which they’re so well trained becomes a real-world asset. Laufer’s poignant coming-of-age story draws connections between our virtual lives and the real world as we struggle to “level up."

The University’s production features local actors James Pennington of West Wyoming (as Ian) and Ali Basalyga of Scranton (as Jeannine). The production also features Nicolas Gangone of Howard Beach, New York (as Chuck), and Dan Mauro of Long Valley, New Jersey (as Zander).

Tickets for “Leveling Up” are available by online at www.thescrantonplayers.com or phone reservation at 570-941-4318. Tickets may be purchased at the box office one hour before each performance. General admission tickets are $10. Tickets are $7 for students, children, senior citizens and University of Scranton faculty and staff.

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

 

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