With Halloween just around the corner, it is quite natural that “Frankenstein” is the upcoming play for Black Box Theater. “Frankenstein” by Danielle Mohlman is adapted from the novel by Mary Shelley, and directed by faculty member Jay Geller.
It is a classic, and is further enjoyed live with cast and crew made sets, costumes, and a new perspective. Always expect the unexpected. According to Mohlman: “It’s a play that asks the age-old question: How far would you go to outrun your ghosts?”
While “Frankenstein” is widely known as a haunting and gothic horror for (almost) all ages, the reality behind it is much darker and often looked past and disregarded. Mary Shelley, the author, was just 18 years old when she began to articulate her hidden demons into an alternate reality. Prior to the novel, Mary’s infant daughter died, and while this era of gothic gruesome horror was popular at the time, nobody, including Mary’s husband, Percy Shelley, could see or even begin to understand the devastation and grief she was masking and translating into the story from her own life. The struggling writer is distraught and overwhelmed when she is greeted by her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft. The comforting motherly energy that should arise when picturing this reunion should not be assumed, because Mary Wollstonecraft died when Mary Shelly was just 10 days old.
When attending the show, be aware that it “…explores monsters and the women who create them.” “Frankenstein” opens October 20, and runs October 21, 22, 28, 29, November 3, 4, 5, plus a special performance on Halloween, Tuesday, October 31 at 7 p.m. Evening performances at 7 p.m. Sunday performances at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for students, MCC employees, seniors, veterans, and MCC alumni, and $15 for the general public. Call (815) 455-8746 or email [email protected] to reserve seats. All tickets will be paid for at the door by cash or credit card.
— By Jacqueline Campion
Poet, artist shares her work
Spoken Word artists Kyla Jenèe Lacey visited MCC on September 14. Lacey’s work has been featured on “Pop Sugar,” “Buzzfeed,” “Write About Now,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” “The John Oliver Show,” and others. She has traveled across the United States to present at over 300 colleges.
There were two opportunities for MCC students to connect with the talented writer. Students, especially those interested in communication and writing, were able to join Lacey for a conversation. Lacey shared her experience with spoken word, poetry, and advocating for oneself. Following the discussion, students, along with employees and community members, were able to watch Lacey perform. The performance was powerful, as she shared her poems on a wide range of topics, including: friendship, love, feminism, and racism.
— By Dorothy Carpenter
Exploring Jekyll and Hyde
Ready to get in the Halloween spirit with a philosophical twist? Join this seminar to discuss how the well-known story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is more than a story and a commentary about the battle of good and evil inside us. “Jekyll and Hyde Revisited” will be led by Ted Hazelgrove, who taught writing and literature at MCC for more than 25 years, and Jim Gould, who taught philosophy at MCC for 33 years. The event is on Thursday, Oct. 19, 6-7 p.m. at the MCC Luecht Auditorium. Register to attend at https://www.mchenry.edu/events/2023/10/experts-10-19.html
— By Samantha Koeune
Gamers club offers a place to play
One organization present at the Fall student organization fair was Gamers Rise Up. Upon approaching the club’s table, one could see students playing on a gaming device. Another device was set up for students to watch gaming content.
Athena Wright, the president of Gamers Rise Up, stated that the club is not designed for intense competition, but rather a place for students to come together through similar interests.
“Gamers Rise Up is set up so that people who have special interests in video games can play together and make friends,” Wright said. “It’s just so that everyone has a safe place to be and be themselves.”
Gamers Rise Up is not strictly a video gaming club. Students can also play card or board games and board games during meetings. During meetings, there is typically one main game. However, students are more than welcome to play any available side games. Wright recommends that students check out the organization.
“It’s an opportunity to just try new things. And if you don’t like it, you don’t like it,” Wright said. “But if you do, it’s a great place for you to come and learn new things, especially if you want to do programming or if you want to just know more about video games.”
Gamers Rise Up is the perfect place for anybody looking to expand their horizons, make new friends, and play games. The club meets every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in A227.
— By Zoe Emerson
Scholarship applications due
You can find information about scholarships on the MCC foundation page.
One of the students who have benefited from scholarships, Marco Gonzalez, was able to get a scholarship and get 60 credit hours and funds to cover any other expenses such as fees and books.
Students must have one of the three things: a 3.6 GPA, 1300 composite SAT, or 28 composite for the ACT. You have to be enrolled in 12 credit hours for each semester and write an essay.
The scholarship information page lists available scholarships, deadlines, and requirements. There are up to 3 pages of scholarships. Go to https://mchenry.academicworks.com/
— By Sarah Christenson
Space is the place
Chant it over and over again at the one time officially coolest planetarium on the planet — the MCC Planetarium!
Just think of all the bizarre unknown facts you can learn about dinosaurs, eclipses, and Christmas. The planetarium has reasonably priced $12 events all semester long. Bring your family and invite your friends because it is sure to put you and your loved ones on the astral plane.
Seating is limited. For more information and to register go to https://www.mchenry.edu/planetarium/
— By Julian Senn-Raemont
Graduating? Do this
If you are graduating this semester, you need to submit your graduation application for degree and or certificate completion through the online self-service by November 1, 2023. Students are invited to participate in the winter commencement. The steps are posted online to guide students through the process of completion. Go to https://www.mchenry.edu/graduation/
— By Charlie Johnson
Open gym offers time to play
the school gymnasium. Students can come by to play basketball, volleyball, or dodgeball. This
acts as a well needed break for students who do not have a class at that time to come have fun,
relieve stress, and get active. Come stop by today!