Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The theatre department at Roanoke College is staging “A Monster Calls,” a play adapted by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck from the Patrick Ness novel this week in the Olin Theater.
Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. as well as Friday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.
Directed by Danielle Barre, an adjunct professor, the play deals with issues like bullying and reactions to grief and death from cancer, topics that are relevant to middle schoolers.
“One night, 13-year-old Conor is woken by an ancient monster at his window. The monster has come walking and tells Conor stories from when he walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears,” the play description reads.
Given its relevance to middle school students, 40 students from all three grades at Andrew Lewis signed up to pre-read the script and attend a matinee performance this Friday. In addition, three after-school meetings about the play were held. The final meeting was on Tuesday, which featured Barre and three of the actors, who led a warmup, talked about how they prepared for the production and answered student questions.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, or $5 for seniors/students. Tickets are available by calling 540-375-2333, online at https://trcmonster2025.eventbrite.com or by emailing boxoffice@roanoke.edu.
