SUNY Potsdam Theatre Production of 'You and Me and the Space Between' Opens from April 20 to 23

SUNY Potsdam Department of Theatre and Dance Presents Family-Friendly Play, 'You and Me and the Space Between'

Potsdam, NY (04/06/2023) — The Department of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Potsdam will present its production of Finegan Kruckemeyer's "You and Me and The Space Between," from April 20 to 23, in the Performing Arts Center.

Directed by Assistant Professor Rivka Eckert and movement coach Kerri Canedy, the production explores the plight of climate refugees through the eyes of a child, and is appropriate for audiences ages six and up. The play follows Eve and the people of Proud Circle as they try to seek out solutions for their sinking island.

"We've been able to bring together students and faculty from six different programs and departments on Potsdam's campus. We're out in the community teaching drama workshops and partnering with schools. Our entire creative team are practicing one of the central messages of the play: We are stronger together. When we celebrate our differences, listen to youth, and center those most impacted by climate crises, we find solutions," said Director Rivka Eckert.

Australia's most accomplished children's playwright, Finegan Kruckemeyer, delivers a tale of courage and invention that is brought to life with creative storytelling, scenic design by Todd P. Canedy, lighting by Tom Grabowski, original music composition by Crane School of Music Professor Gregory Wanamaker, projected live-drawing by illustrators Lily LaBounty '25 and Reilly Russell '24, and dramaturgy by Kit Athanasidy '24.

The acting ensemble includes: Jemdryl "Queen" De La Cruz Bueno '23, Denaisha Clarke '25, Alisha Felder '25, Tony Rossi-Denton '26, Jonah Miller '25, Gabby Maresco '25, Frankie Maguire '26 and Sophie Leuzzi '24.

Eckert has worked with Community Performance Series' Meghan Stever and Vanessa Vaverchak to bring in local students as part of the Meet the Arts Series. Local school groups attending the performance on Friday, April 21 will experience workshops led by production teaching artist Emily Gilligan '25 and teaching artists from students in SUNY Potsdam's arts education program, led by Katherine Schuler. Two hundred local students are registered to see the production through this experience.

Show times are as follows:

All performances will be offered in the Proscenium Theater, located in the Performing Arts Center.

Sunday's performance will have American sign language interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing communities. If you would like to use this service, please notify the CPS Box Office when booking your tickets so the appropriate number of seats can be reserved for your party.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for SUNY Potsdam faculty/staff, military or senior citizens, $7 for children aged 6 and over, and $1 for children younger than 5. Seats are not reserved. Tickets are available in person at the CPS Box Office, located in the Performing Arts Center Lobby, at the door prior to the show, or by calling (315) 267-2277 or visiting www.cpspotsdam.org. Major credit cards and Bear Express are all welcome.

Doors open 30 minutes before each showing. For more information, contact Meghan Stever at steverma@potsdam.edu or (315) 267-2277, or contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at (315) 267-2556.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

Alisha Felder ’25 rehearses a scene from “You and Me and the Space Between,” which will be staged in the Proscenium Theater at SUNY Potsdam's Performing Arts Center from April 20 to April 23. Tickets are now on sale at cpspotsdam.org.

From left, Denaisha Clarke ‘25, Tony Rossi-Denton '26, Frankie Maguire ‘26, and Gabby Maresco ‘25 rehearse a scene from the family-friend play, “You and Me and the Space Between,” which will be staged in the Proscenium Theater from April 20 to April 23 at SUNY Potsdam.

Jemdryl "Queen" De La Cruz Bueno ‘23 rehearses a scene with Denaisha Clarke ’25, right, in preparation for their upcoming performance of “You and Me and the Space Between,” running from April 20 to April 23 in the Proscenium Theater.

Sophie Leuzzi ’24 rehearses a scene from “You and Me and the Space Between,” which will be staged in the Proscenium Theater from April 20 to April 23.

SUNY Potsdam’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present a production of the family-friendly play, “You and Me and the Space Between,” from April 20 to 23, in the Performing Arts Center’s Proscenium Theater. For tickets, visit www.cpspotsdam.org/purchase.