Drama to be Performed March 5–8
TheatreBrockport at SUNY Brockport presents Skeleton Crew, the powerful and timely drama by acclaimed playwright Dominique Morisseau, March 5–8 in the Tower Black Box Theatre.
Directed by Geva Guest Director Imani Mitchell, Skeleton Crew takes audiences inside one of the last auto stamping plants in Detroit at the start of the Great Recession. As rumors of layoffs swirl and the future of the plant hangs in the balance, Shanita, Faye, and Dez wrestle with impossible choices about their livelihoods and families, while their manager, Reggie, finds himself torn between corporate demands and loyalty to his crew. The result is a gripping, intimate portrait of survival, sacrifice, and the bonds forged on the factory floor.
A “pressure-cooker” drama, the play explores themes of survival, community, loss, loyalty, and the meaning of work. As economic uncertainty looms over the characters, Skeleton Crew examines the very real terror of unemployment and the rift between blue-collar and white-collar workers — conversations that remain deeply relevant today.
Mitchell emphasizes the importance of producing Morisseau’s work now: “Dominique Morisseau is one of the most important playwrights of our time. Her ability to capture the complexity of the Black experience is a beautiful sight to behold. She writes stories with love and tenderness, leaving so much room for humanity.” Through rich dialogue and music-infused storytelling, the play presents layered characters navigating systems that are both personal and political.
Ruth Childs, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Music Studies, notes that the production speaks directly to ongoing discussions about the American Dream, union labor, and the economic realities facing urban communities. “These issues are multi-layered and complex,” Childs says. “Theatre is an important and vital tool for examining social issues.”
This student-driven production demands exceptional depth from its cast, who portray characters navigating life-altering stakes. The creative team brings additional dimension through dynamic set and projection design, led by Projection Designer Dan Roach, creating a visually immersive environment within the intimacy of the Black Box space.
Performances are March 5–8, 2026: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Tower Black Box Theatre on the SUNY Brockport campus.
Tickets are $20 for the general public; $15 for seniors, Brockport alumni, faculty, and staff; and $9 for students. For tickets and more information, visit FineArtsTix.brockport.edu or contact the Tower Fine Arts Center Box Office at 585-395-2787.
Provided information and photo
