Second Studio, Southern Utah University’s student-run theatre company, will be opening the third show in their 2023-24 season on Thursday, Feb. 15. “The Solve It Squad,” written by the Tin Can Brothers and directed by Bee Manesse, will have performances Feb. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional matinee performance Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.
“Solve It Squad” follows a group of former kid detectives reuniting after twenty years to attempt to finally solve the case that broke them apart.
“It is about how everyone deals with trauma differently and that, while reactions to trauma are completely valid, you shouldn’t push away those around you because that makes it worse,” said Annie Hancock, who plays Scrags. “It’s also about bonding, rekindling friendships and healing inner children.”
The show also features a canonically nonbinary character, Esther, played in Second Studio’s production by nonbinary actor Bria Hansen. The show’s director, also nonbinary, wanted to enhance the themes of queerness and neurodivergency found within the show.
“The show has so many wonderful women and nonbinary people at the helm making such wonderful creative decisions,” said Manesse. “I couldn’t be prouder to be part of a team of so many queer and neurodiverse voices.”
“Solve It Squad” faced unique challenges throughout its rehearsal process, the largest of which being a missing cast member at the start. Upon an actor dropping out of the show a week before rehearsals started, a casting call was held with Manesse and the show’s dramaturg to recast the role of “Everyone Else.” The character was a vital role to recast as quickly as possible, as the actor plays the entire ensemble of the show by themself. Maddie Snarr was eventually cast in the role, joining rehearsals a week and a half after the rest of the cast.
“When I found out that I got the role, I felt that I had just taken on a big responsibility,” said Snarr. “Not only that, but I was entrusted with something, and because I was entrusted with it, I felt like I really needed to step up to the plate.”
Though “Solve It Squad” is a comedy, the show also deals with serious themes and serves as a form of social commentary.
“Oftentimes, comedies in theatre are taken a little less seriously than dramatic works in terms of what they can do for theater at large and the community,” said Manesse. “I think that comedy has a wonderful place in not just storytelling but also in making commentary and making insightful observations.”
Because “Solve It Squad” is a show that covers things such as friendship, it was a priority in the rehearsal room to foster a genuine connection within the cast.
“I’ve liked getting to know everyone and getting to be a part of the theatre department here because this is my first show at SUU,” said Harriet Parnell, who plays Gwen. “It’s so fun to be in the rehearsal process and see things come together.”
Tickets for “Solve It Squad” cost $5 and can be purchased online with a limited number available at the door each night.
“It has such a profound message,” said stage manager Phaedra Henry. “It’s also really inclusive, and if you’re someone who is feeling kind of out of place, I think it’s fun to come and realize that everyone does in fact have a place, wherever it may be.”
Author: Tessa Cheshire
Photographer: Shay Wilkey
arts@suunews.net
