Northern Michigan University’s Forest Roberts Theatre is presenting the futuristic romance Constellations. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 9-11 and Nov. 16-18, with 1 p.m. matinees both Saturdays, in the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre.

The play begins with a simple encounter between a man and a woman. What happens next defies the boundaries of the world as it is known, delving into infinite possibilities and raising questions about the difference between choice and destiny. Marianne and Roland's relationship unfolds across time and space, with each variation sending them on an entirely new trajectory.

Theater professor Shelley Russell directs the play.

“Constellations is one of those surprise pieces you come across now and again that reminds you of what good theater can do, how beautiful it can be and how exciting two humans are when thrown together under a little extraordinary lighting,” said Russell. “The play is literally the depiction of a relationship as it solidifies into love, but it follows no normal plot line getting there.”

According to Russell, the show’s sound and scenic design are intended to suggest emotional geography.

“The designers are working to create an environment that is futuristic, minimalist, but laden with mood and image,” said Russell. “I love taking the small studio space and trying to create there a sense of limitless space. The actors move and change against this light underscoring. It shapes everything from where we are to what we're feeling.”

The cast of two performers features NMU students Taylor Ehle and Max Stevens.

“The most demanding part of playing Marianne is the constant shift in energy and emotion as scenes move from one universe to the next,” said Ehle.

An opening night party is included with a ticket purchased for opening night, Thursday, Nov. 9, and immediately follows the show in the FRT lobby. It will feature food and beverages, music, a photo booth and a meet and greet with the cast and creative team.

Tickets are $5 for NMU students, $10 for students and $15 for the public. Tickets are available online at tickets.nmu.edu or at any NMU EZ Ticket outlet. For more information on the event, contact the Forest Roberts Theatre Box Office at (906) 227-2082 or via email at frtbox@gmail.com.