XSR: Die! Show Review by: Brett Briggeman

Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) Theatre Department began their theatrical run on Sept. 25 with a murder mystery comedy called XSR: Die! written by Kurt Kleinmann.

At first glance, this show seems to be like other theatrical pieces of the same genre, until you realize that the entire show is done in noir style, completely in black and white. 

“The set, makeup, costumes, props and lights are all shades of black, white and grey,” Kennan Dowling, senior strategic communications major and theatre minor from Weatherford said. “It is set up just like watching an old film on television. The makeup has been a grueling process, but it makes for great visuals.”

Dowling is the promotions coordinator for the HSU theatre department and is one of the main characters in XSR: Die!. 

“My favorite part about my roles on campus is the fact that they keep me very busy and in touch with the student body and what's going on around campus,” Dowling said. “My favorite part about my role in the show is just being a part of such a wonderful production. Dr. Victoria Spangler, associate professor of theatre and director for XSR: Die!, has assembled the perfect cast to tell this amazing story. I love each and every one of them. We’re like a family now and without XSR: Die! we probably wouldn’t be as close.”

The show takes place in the 1940s, during the middle of World War II. Everything seems to be going normally with the characters rehearsing for the in-world show, Box Office Poison, when suddenly the director of the show is murdered in cold blood.

“The war has pretty much made its way everywhere, even into the theater,” Dowling said. “I play the role of Lt. Foster. He is a police detective who is conveniently at the scene of the crime because he was trying to attend the show before the murder took place. He is a serious, overworked cop who will not rest until the case is solved. He butts heads with his comedic counterpart Harry Hunsacker as their age-old competitive rivalry, but their contrasts make for great comedy. All in all, it is an amazing show, and I am so proud of everyone in it. We all have grown as actors and people learning patience, preciseness, and our purposes whether it be on stage or in everyday life.”

Selah Portis, a sophomore general studies major from San Marcos is the assistant stage manager for the show and also assisted with costume design. 

“I really like getting to do special effects backstage during the show and seeing the actors prepare to perform,” Portis said. “We've spent lots of late nights and early mornings rehearsing, working on makeup, designing and putting together the costumes and putting all of the technical elements together. I've really enjoyed watching the progression of the show. We went from barely knowing the show to being completely invested in it.”

“I love this show,” Portis said, “and I am so excited for everyone to see all the work we've put into it. This show is truly a work of art and I'm proud to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Spangler and the cast and crew of XSR: Die!.”

It truly was one of the best performances that I have had the privilege to witness. I was intrigued and glued to my seat from the very beginning, laughing the whole time and enjoying the show a lot. With many twists and turns, not everything is as it seems in the world of XSR: Die! and the entire cast and crew execute this extremely well. 

The HSU theatre department always does a fantastic job at bringing plays to life and XSR: Die! is no exception. I would highly encourage everyone to support the theatre department and attend the rest of the shows they will be putting on this year.