Audiences invited into the Roaring Twenties with ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

The bright lights and energetic music of the Jazz Age — circa New York City 1922 — is coming to the stage this weekend as Liberty University’s Department of Theatre Arts opens “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Tower Theater.

“Audiences should expect a show that really takes them back to the energetic and colorful 1920s,” said Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Neal Brasher, the show’s director.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” tells the story of Millie Dillmount, a young woman from Kansas who moves to New York City in search of romance and a more exciting life. Her story is full of surprising twists and turns brought to life by the cast of 30 students.

To echo the era, the set, lighting, and costumes are all designed to authentically portray life in the 1920s. The creative vision of Liberty’s set is focused on symmetry and simple, clean shapes — elements of art deco style, a movement in the decorative arts and architecture that originated in the time period.

“We want to do justice to the grand architecture and the newness that came with the era: new ideals, art, and entertainment,” junior theatre performance major Maria Reginaldi said. “The 1920s style hasn’t been seen on the Tower stage in a while.”

Reginaldi portrays Miss Dorothy Brown, Millie’s naive best friend who comes to the city from the lap of luxury to experience the real world.

“There are hidden themes in the show,” Reginaldi said. “Millie and Miss Dorothy are both trying to be something they’re not in order to discover their true identity and gain true happiness, but they really just need to be confident in who they are. We can learn a lot from these characters.”

Brasher hopes that after being impressed by the creative stage elements, audiences ultimately will be impacted by the lively story and its charming characters.

“You can expect to see many fresh faces in this,” Brasher said. As the first academic musical of this semester (“Newsies,” an earlier musical, was a professional Alluvion production), “Thoroughly Modern Millie” gives some younger students the opportunity to work alongside department veterans and bring a unique energy to the stage, he added.

“It’s been fun for me as an upperclassman to get to know so many new people,” Reginaldi said. “We have to work together to create the comedic timing of the show, and a necessary friendship comes along with it.”

The unity among cast members has given them the confidence to uncover the show’s timeless themes.

“Audience members will see Millie and Dorothy find true love in ways they never intended,” Reginaldi said. “The lesson is: never be afraid of newness; times are always going to change, but we need to go into them with confidence ready for all we can learn and experience.”

To purchase tickets, visit the Tower Theater website or call the Liberty University Box Office at 434-582-SEAT (7328) during weekday business hours. On the night of a performance, call the Tower Box Office at (434) 582-2085.