Published October 27, 2017
In Jane Austen’s “Emma,” Highbury, England’s own matchmaker, Emma Woodhouse, brings matrimony and misunderstanding to town in the early 19th century. Clarks Summit University’s Theatre Department will bring the story to life on October 26-28, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $8.
Get tickets now!
Harriet Smith: Naomi Muennich
Muennich is a junior Communications-Theatre major with a minor in Music. Besides the enjoyment the theatre brings to her life, she performs in order to use the creative gifts God has given her in order to glorify Him. While growing up in Alaska, Muennich was in several plays and was a part of a community theatre group. She has performed in numerous plays in college, and she has now taken on the role of Harriet in “Emma.” Her dream role would be “Gertrude” in “Seussical The Musical.”
Harriet Smith is a simple character. She doesn’t like thinking for herself, values the opinions of others above her own, and can be thought of as “the dumb blonde of the cast.” She will gain the sympathy of her audience, especially of those who have experienced being set-up throughout their dating ventures. Muennich shows so many similarities to her character that she came to the conclusion, “I am Harriet.” The actor expresses the difficulty of trying to convey a character who is absent-minded. Trying to keep her energy level constantly high, she attempts to portray Harriet, who is excited about everything. While Muennich hates how her character is so easily persuaded, she loves how Harriet values friendship—especially her friendship with Emma. Muennich hopes the audience will “be aware of the theme of friendship that goes throughout the play.”
-Colleen Noll is a Communications-Writing major who is studying theatre practicum and plans to graduate in 2020.
