STCC College Theatre Workshop to perform ‘This Random World’
Front row: Victoria Surreira, Jenna Pitts, Migdalia Vazquez, Anthony Lopez, MJ James and Evan Whatley. Back row, left to right: Christina Bishop and Luis Serano.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The College Theatre Workshop at Springfield Technical Community College will hold three performances of “This Random World: The Myth of Serendipity,” a thought-provoking comedy by acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz.
The performances, directed by STCC professor Phil O’Donoghue, will be held at the Scibelli Theater on campus on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 and are free to the public, with donations accepted.
The public is invited to join the College Theatre Workshop for this engaging journey exploring how lives intersect in surprising ways. “This Random World” centers on Scottie, an older woman nearing the end of her life. Through interconnected stories involving her children, caretakers and strangers, Dietz weaves a tale that reminds us of the “myth of serendipity” – the idea that life’s random encounters are often more connected than they appear.
Student actors Evan Whatley, left, and MJ James rehearse a scene.
“This play is a one-joke wonder,” says Chuck Lavazzi of KDHX Radio in Louisville, Ky., “but the variations on that joke are so ingenious that it never goes stale, remaining thoroughly entertaining right up to the surprising final scene.”
Director Phil O’Donoghue expressed his enthusiasm for the production, saying, “’This Random World’ has challenged both actors and audiences over the years. It was a hit when it opened in 2016, and it remains a hit to this day. Our cast has embraced the challenges of this amazing play, and I know our audiences will, too.”
Steven Nelson, Interim Dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies at STCC, said the play offers students a unique opportunity to explore deep themes of connection, chance and the human experience.
“The campus community looks forward to the College Theatre Workshop’s productions each semester, and we encourage the greater Springfield community to join us and see ‘This Random World,’” Nelson said. “Thank you to Professor O’Donoghue and his talented students for their hard work in bringing this thought-provoking play to our stage at STCC.”
Performance Details:
- Dates and Times:
- Dec. 5 at 11 a.m.
- Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
- Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
- Location: Scibelli Theater, Building 2, Springfield Technical Community College
- Admission: Free, with donations accepted
Cole Wood serves as the Production Manager, ensuring a memorable and seamless experience for the audience.
“Come experience ‘This Random World’ at STCC, where a web of connections and coincidences unfolds, challenging perceptions about fate, relationships and life’s unexpected twists,” O’Donoghue said. “Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a play that has captured audiences nationwide.”
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu