Second Stage Theatre at Stetson Presents: Keely and Du

Andrea Mujica October 18, 2024
A scene of Second Stage Theatre's production Keely and Du, where Walter force-feeds Keely with a lecture on forgiveness and redemption
Walter force-feeds Keely with a lecture on forgiveness and redemption in Stetson’s Second Stage Theatre production of Jane Martin’s drama Keely and Du. Photo by Josh Dennis. Left to right: Miles Reynolds, Courtney Wood, Mariah Whyms.

Second Stage Theatre at Stetson University opens its 119th season with Keely and Du, a play by Jane Martin, which will run Oct. 24 – 27.

Du is a right-to-life activist working for a religiously motivated pro-life group who has abducted Keely, a pregnant rape victim, to keep her from having an abortion. Under the watchful eye of the group’s charismatic pastor, Walter, these two women nevertheless find a way to transcend their circumstances and the ideological issues that separate them. Emotionally charged and suspenseful, this crime drama finds a shred of hope in a desperate situation.

According to the director, Dr. Ken McCoy, “Though this play was written in the 1990s, the issue of right to choose vs. right to life are more pertinent than ever today. We hope to give a voice to both sides, as these two women gradually come to understand each other and develop a kind of friendship in this crime drama.”

A scene of Second Stage Theatre's production Keely and Du, where Du nurses Keely back to consciousness and comfort after her abduction
Du nurses Keely back to consciousness and comfort after her abduction in Stetson’s Second Stage Theatre production of Jane Martin’s drama Keely and Du. Photo by Josh Dennis. Top to bottom: Mariah Whyms, Courtney Wood.

This production portrays adult themes and language, depictions of self-harm, repeated discussion of abortion and mentions of sexual abuse. Audience discretion is advised.

The cast of Keely and Du includes:

• Miles Reynolds as Walter
• Mariah Whyms as Du
• Courtney Woods as Keely
• Nathan Pyle as Cole
• Aniyah Brookins and Alex Morrow as Orderlies
• Gracie Holland as Prison Guard

If You Go

Performances will take place on Oct. 24 – 26 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. at Stetson Theatre Art’s Second Stage located inside the Museum of Art, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., adjacent to the DeLand campus.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens. Admission is free for Stetson University students, staff and faculty with a valid Stetson ID. Admission also is free for non-Stetson students with a valid student ID. Please note: this play contains mature subject matter and mature language and may not be suitable for all ages.

For more information or reservations, please call Stetson University’s Second Stage Theatre Arts box office at 386-822-8700.