The LSU School of Theatre’s “LMNOP, The Muzical” portrays a cautionary tale about government extremism in a whimsical, storybook fashion, opening Friday at the LSU Shaver Theatre.
Based on the novel “Ella Minnow Pea” by Mark Dunn, “LMNOP, The Muzical” is a historical fable about an island community fighting for freedom of speech as local leaders ban every letter that falls from a statue in town.
The story’s heroine, Ella, is a determined teenage girl. When chaos in her town begins to escalate, she uses the extremism in her community as an opportunity to fight for what she believes is right. Theatre performance sophomore Rebecca Smith is taking on the challenge of a character with major depth, she said.
“She is wise beyond her years, and longs for something more out of life — a purpose, something to fight or strive for,” Smith said.
Learning the poetic musical was a challenge with its complex jargon, Smith said.
“I’m most excited to see all of our hard work come to fruition,” she said. “This show was a monster to take on.”
Freedom of speech is one of the most important aspects of this play, especially as imagining a world without communication for today’s society is nearly impossible to wrap one’s head around.
“This play puts emphasis on the importance of language and communication,” Smith said. “Without it, we wouldn’t be human beings. So for that right to be taken away … it’s particularly jarring to think about.”
The show will leave the audience with a new appreciation for the privilege of communication and speech, Smith said.
“Our cast has handled it wonderfully, and I’m excited to see that culminate in our performance,” she said.
There will be a pay-what-you-can performance Oct. 4 and a preview performance on Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Shaver Theatre. The musical officially opens Friday and will run through Oct. 15. Tickets are $19 for general admission and $11 for students.

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Christa Moran

The cast of LMNOP rehearses at the Shaver Theatre on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017.