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MSU Theatre Presents Rambunctious Thanksgiving Comedy

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre presents “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes,” a wild and fun Thanksgiving play by Kate Benson that offers a comedic look at the complexities and chaos of a holiday family gathering as presented through a cornucopia of personalities. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 8-17 at the Pasant Theatre in the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

Photo of a group of 14 people on a stage doing a dance with a couple TV monitors overhead that both show two sports broadcasters.
The cast of “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes” perform one of the dance routines in the play.

Directed by Brad Willcuts, Associate Professor and Head of Acting at MSU, this rambunctious comedy centers on the Wemblys, a large multigenerational family whose Thanksgiving gathering is transformed into a competitive sport with sportscasters providing play-by-play commentary, highlighting the family tensions, disappointments, love, and traditions. After all, doesn’t surviving Thanksgiving feel like a sport sometimes?

“I hope that this production will fill audiences — not with food, but with memories and reflections of their own families. May it inspire them to see those close to them with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of empathy.”

Brad Willcuts, Associate Professor and Director

“In just a few weeks, many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and all the rest. As the playwright reminds us, ‘Life is short, but the day is long,’” Willcuts said. “I hope that this production will fill audiences — not with food, but with memories and reflections of their own families. May it inspire them to see those close to them with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of empathy.”

The play explores the origins and significance of traditions, touching on the question of where traditions come from and why people hold so dearly to them. While directing this play, Willcuts has reflected on his own family traditions.

A photo showing two TV monitors and on each monitor the same image is appears of two sportscasters, one female on the left wearing a red suit and one man on the right wearing a gray suit with a red tie, both sitting at a desk talking into microphones.
The sports announcers, played by Jewell Redman (left) and Thomas Evansky (right), provide play-by-play commentary of the action in “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes.”

“I come from a large family, and I know firsthand the quirks, warmth, and lively dynamics that make these gatherings so memorable.” he said. “I remember the days spent preparing food, the inevitable ‘kids table’ assignment, and the way we all ate far too quickly after so much work. But more than anything, I remember the joy of simply being together, sharing stories, laughing, and reconnecting with loved ones I hadn’t seen in months.”

“A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes” will help keep the tradition of Thanksgiving fresh in the minds of audience members and add some shock factor too while delivering exciting, physical performances from talented MSU Department of Theater students.

Three female actors on the set of “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes." The three actors are wearing aprons and the set looks like a basketball court.
Three of the actors performing inMSU Department of Theatre students Brooke Cousins, playing Cheery Pie; Rileigh Belle Wine, as Cheesecake; and Lyric Williams, as Triffle, in “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes.”


“This production has been a unique experience for me as a director. Although I’ve worked with movement, dance, stage combat, and even motion capture throughout my career, this show combines all those elements in a new and exciting way,” Willcuts said. “We approached this project as a true company, with each member of the cast, design team, faculty mentors, and crew contributing their creativity and voice. It’s been an educational journey for all of us — a chance to explore theatre-making that’s less commercial and more collaborative.”

Performance Dates and Times:

  • Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m.  
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.  
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m.  
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m.  
  • Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m.  
  • Friday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m.  
  • Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m.     

Tickets 

Tickets for “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes” can be purchased online at whartoncenter.com/events/detail/a-beautiful-day-in-november, in person at the Wharton Center Ticket Office, or by calling 517-432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.

Ticket Pricing:

  • General Admission: $20 
  • Seniors and Faculty: $15 
  • Students: $10  

For more information on this show and other MSU Department of Theatre productions, visit https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/category/dept-of-theatre.

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