'Murder on the Orient' hits the GTA stage
(GTA) has assembled a cast of characters including a world-famous sleuth and combined them with a rotating set to bring Agatha Christie's "" to the stage.
GTA is a one-of-a-kind, nationally recognized collaboration between the University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) and Brenau University. Utilizing hands-on, individualized training while emphasizing ensemble and collaboration between programs, GTA boasts a production program rivaling the largest theater schools in the country.
GTA's production crew broke new ground this fall with an unconventional set for Agatha Christie's novel, which was adapted by playwright Ken Ludwig. Traditionally, "Murder on the Orient Express" is performed with the audience seeing the front view of the train and interaction among characters. However, the Ed Cabell Theatre stage at Â鶹ÊÓƵ allows the audience to view the performance from three sides.
"Our Ed Cabell stage presented multiple design, transition, and blocking challenges that have all been difficult to navigate, but we overcame it with a unique solution,” Zechariah Pierce, director of the show and associate professor of theatre at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said.
'Murder on the Orient Express'
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 19-22; and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23.
Where: Ed Cabell Theatre, Performing Arts building, Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Gainesville Campus, 3040 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia.
Tickets: $16-$24 for community members and $5 for Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Brenau students, faculty, and staff.
For more info: Visit
Jayme McGhan, GTA artistic director and scenic designer for the show, employed a turntable platform.
"It gives the audience an ever-changing view of the show," McGhan, head of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Department of Theatre, said.
This gives the audience a different vantage point to watch the play that is filled with glamour, intrigue and suspense as well as a healthy dose of humor.
Theater enthusiasts will have 10 opportunities to watch "Murder on the Orient Express." The play runs from Friday, Oct. 15, to Saturday, Oct. 23. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 19-22 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23. All shows are in the Ed Cabell Theatre inside the Performing Arts building on Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Gainesville Campus. The address is 3040 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia.
range from $16-$24 for community members and $5 for Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Brenau students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.
For more information, visit or follow them on or .
Officers grew thanks to opportunities at Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Jaden Clark-Davidson and Brandon Clark-Davidson were two of the 20 Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadets who commissioned Sept. 10 as second lieutenants in the Army and Georgia Army National Guard.
Alum gets paid to 'dig in the dirt'
Samson Larsen, a 2025 graduate, uses his history degree and anthropology minor to 'dig in the dirt' and discover artifacts, skills he gained in archaeological field school while he was a student.
Students sharpen skills on Peru study abroad
Eight Â鶹ÊÓƵ students took part in a five-week study abroad to Peru this summer, gaining both language and cultural experience.
Historic battle viewed in tapestry replica
Â鶹ÊÓƵ hosts the only full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the 1066 Battle of Hastings, Sept. 12 and Sept. 14-15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Convocation Center at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Dahlonega Campus.