NDSU theatre students Gabrielle Mowery (left) and Jillian Schotters (right) perform as best friends Matilda and Harriet in Theatre NDSU’s “Dr. Ride’s American Beach House” Feb. 20 – 22, 27 – 28, and March 1.
On June 18, 1983, the country watched in awe as Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman to launch into space, inspiring women and girls everywhere to reach for the stars.
Two such women are Harriet and Matilda, the main characters of Theatre NDSU’s upcoming production of “Dr. Ride’s American Beach House” by Liza Birkenmeier that opens Thursday, Feb. 20 in Walsh Studio Theatre.
To celebrate Dr. Ride’s historic space flight on that warm summer night, Harriet and Matilda join their friends on a sweltering St. Louis rooftop to listen to the news on the radio and raise a few beers. But the weather isn’t the only thing that brings the heat. The passionate opinions combined with the cold drinks over the course of the evening make Harriet and Matilda wonder if they’re more than friends. Little do they know, they have more in common with Dr. Ride than they think.
Performances of “Dr. Ride’s American Beach House” are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 – 22, 27 – 28, and March 1 in Walsh Studio Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for NDSU students with ID. Visit NDSU Performing Art’s website or call the box office at 701-231-7969 to purchase tickets. Please note that this play contains sexual content and LGBTQ+ subject matter and is intended for mature audiences.
Walsh Studio Theatre is in Askanase Hall at 1497 12th Avenue North on NDSU’s campus. To learn more about Theatre NDSU’s 2024-2025 season, as well as the shows on deck for next year, visit the Department of Theatre Arts website.
