FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington is pleased to bring Kate Fodor‘s compelling play “100 Saints You Should Know” to the UMF Alumni Theatre stage as its spring theatrical production.
Directed by award-winning playwright Jayne Decker “100 Saints You Should Know” was developed at the Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago. The UMF student ensemble cast, including visiting theatre alumni Jonas Maines, tells the story of everyday people looking for a spiritual connection.
Performances take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for UMF students with I.D. Doors open for box office one hour before the start of performance. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shari Witham with the Department of Arts and Humanities at 207-778-7425.
“100 Saints You Should Know” contains adult content, language and images and is intended for a mature audience.
From Dramatists, “Theresa is estranged from her family and working as a cleaning woman where she is surprised by the desire to learn how to pray. Matthew, the priest whose rectory she cleans, is stunned and heartbroken by the realization that he no longer knows how to talk to God. When Matthew disappears one day, Theresa feels compelled to track him down, and her search changes both their lives.”
“This student cast and crew shows great commitment to UMF Theatre, from first year students to seniors and a returning graduate from our theatre program. Students are involved in every element of the production, including costume designer and stage managers. The technical crew learns to hang lights, paint sets and work in the box office,” said Decker.
Decker has directed numerous productions at UMF Alumni Theater. Her production “Coyote on a Fence” was awarded a Moss Hart Memorial Award by the New England Theatre Conference, New England’s oldest and largest regional theater association. She has also presented workshop productions of her original plays “Good Medicine;” “Stars Falling,” winner of the 2002 Maine Playwriting Award; “Jelly Moonshine;” and “Songbird,” a touring play about the Iraq War.
“Cracked Shells,” an original play by Decker about domestic violence, was commissioned by Franklin County Network’s Peace in Our Families and was featured again at the 2009 Maine Women’s Studies Conference. Her play “Ruby Red, a Moment in the Life of” was a finalist in drama for the Maine Literary Awards in 2021 and “Migratory Birds” followed in 2022. Her most recent play, “Duet” was performed at the Maine Playwright’s Festival in Portland in 2024.
CAST
Theresa – Reilly McCabe, Monmouth
Abby – Eva Tebbutt, Farmington
Garrett – Cam Veach, Penacook, New Hampshire
Colleen – Mia Chestnutt, Farmington
Matthew – Jonas Maines
Singers/voices – Tristan Samuelson
CREW
Director – Jayne Decker
Scenic and Lighting Design – Stan Spilecki
Sound Design – Adin Merritt
Stage Manager – Ginny Moultroup, Orleans, Ver
Stage Manager – Jazmin Esparza, Farmington
Student Costume Designer – Dante Capone, Stevensville, Maryland
