Jamrich 1100 - NMU Events and Announcements

Jamrich 1100

30 Years Later: Remembering Haywire

Part of NMU's 125th Anniversary Celebration

Friday, April 4 at 7:30PM
1100 Jamrich Hall

In the spring of 1995, the Forest Roberts Theatre’s production of Haywire achieved national acclaim, being selected as one of only five productions—out of more than 900 submissions—to perform at the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. This original musical, depicting life in an 1880s logging camp, was penned by NMU theatre professor Dr. Shelley Russell, with an original score composed by NMU music professor Dr. Rob Engelhart.

As part of NMU’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, the NMU Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with the Department of Communication and Media Studies, will commemorate the 30th anniversary of this distinguished production. Join us on Friday, April 4, at 7:30 PM in 1100 Jamrich Hall for a special program that will honor the creators and feature selected scenes and musical numbers from the production by alumni and current students. We welcome the NMU and Upper Peninsula community to share in this evening of storytelling, music, and celebration. 

The event is a fundraiser for the NMU students selected to compete in this year’s American College Theatre’s regional showcases. Tickets are Pay as you May and are available now at tickets.nmu.edu. 

Jamrich 1100

A staged reading of Coming to See Aunt Sophie, by Arthur Feinsod, explores the life and actions of Jan Karski, a member of the Polish Resistance who raised awareness of the horrors of the Holocaust during World War II. The reading will be followed by a brief discussion with the playwright about his inspiration and the importance of remembering history. Members of the broader Marquette community are welcome to attend. 

This event is sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, the Department of Theatre and Dance, and the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Jamrich 1100

This movie is based on NMU Alumna Beth Rondeau-Deacon's first screenplay, Intent Unknown. The psychological thriller stars Eric Roberts and Rondeau-Deacon's daughter Lucy, as Harper.  In this gripping psychological thriller, four ambitious psychology students embark on a risky experiment to unravel the mysteries of human behavior. Harper choosing her secluded home as the perfect location, she and her classmates Luna, Chase, and Amelia invite a Harold a stranger to participate, setting off a chain of events that will forever alter their lives. 

From TNG FILMS comes a captivating exploration of human nature, choice, and the consequences that arise when boundaries are pushed. Prepare for a cinematic journey into the depths of the mind, where sanity and morality hang in the balance.

A Q&A session will be held afterward.

Free popcorn and pop.

Jamrich 1100

NMU Alumna Beth Rondeau-Deacon and Director/Producer Terence Gordon are holding a casting call for NMU students for Intent Unknown 2, along with another film in development about pioneering woman pilot Lynn Rippelmeyer, who was the first woman to fly a 747 and captain a 747 transatlantic flight. The subject aligns with Gordon's interest in aviation. 

He attended college and general aviation flight school, and later served with the Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force before venturing into entertainment. Gordon's credits include executive producer of the documentary What's in a Name: A Versace Story. He has also worked on numerous cross-genre projects such as music videos, commercials, and feature-length films. Read a feature story about Rondeau-Deacon, a mathematics teacher turned screenwriter, here. 

They will be looking to cast for actors (no experience necessary), set design, and other behind-the-scenes and camera positions. 

Jamrich 1100

NMU alumna Beth Rondeau-Deacon will discuss and read from her book Seven Doors In: One Teacher's Mission within Prison Walls, which has been optioned by a prominent production company for a streaming series. She plans to give away 50 autographed copies. Seven Doors In reflects on the three years she taught at a maximum-security prison.

Deacon earned a Master of Arts in Education degree in school administration and supervision from NMU in 2000. She has served as a mathematics teacher for about three decades. Her awards include Women of Hearts Teacher of the Year, the Correctional Teacher of the Year, and the Sanford Inspirational Teacher. She is featured in the book Women Today Making a Difference.