Wright State Theatre to present ‘Kelly the Destroyer vs the Springfield Cobras’ in Herbst Theatre

Director Jamie Cordes, senior lecturer in acting, describes “Kelly the Destroyer vs the Springfield Cobras” as a zany, entrancing story that touches on the social pressures of high school.

Wright State University Theatre will present the regional collegiate premiere of the musical “Kelly the Destroyer vs the Springfield Cobras” by Katie Kring and Rob Hartmann from Oct. 20–29 in the Herbst Studio Theatre.

Performances take place Oct 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 22, 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. in the Herbst Studio Theatre in the Creative Arts Center.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Creative Arts Center box office between noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or at wrightliberalarts.universitytickets.com.

Inspired by true events, this sci-fi, pop-rock, comedy, thriller musical is about standing out from the crowd and what it means to be human.

Director Jamie Cordes, senior lecturer in acting, described the production as a zany, entrancing story that feels like a television episode of “iCarly” or “Victorious.”

“‘Kelly the Destroyer vs the Springfield Cobras’ touches on the social pressures of high school,” Cordes said. “Does one conform or be the person they are meant to be? The standardized tests that can make or break a school system, and the students taking them is the launching point of the story. I was excited to explore these topics with our actors that are not far removed from their own high school experiences of these pressures.”

Cordes previously directed Wright State Theatre’s productions of “The Gondoliers” and “If/Then” in the Herbst Studio Theatre. A professional actor and director, Cordes was most recently seen in the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “This Is Tom Jones.”

“Kelly the Destroyer vs the Springfield Cobras” features scenic design by Anna Hunter, a design technology major; costume coordination by Zoe Still, instructor of costume design; lighting design by Zachary Weust, a theatre studies major; and sound design by James Dunlap.

On the stage, the production features Atlas Kessinger as Kelly, Cate Lightbody as Rikki, Danny Dobbins as Woodchuck, Skye Hodgkin as Mouse, Emma Massey as Bee, Andres Martinez as Kick, Sophia Stiles as Addie, Julia Walters as Darzee, Ashley Ortel as Zen, Amirah Musa as Whip, James Newton as Shinn, Joclyn Blake as Savannah, Devon Fruscione as Vi, Sarah Rowell as Coral, Eli Peel as Boom, Gavin O’Meara as Copper, Sylvia Bordelois as Kraitlyn, Shay Roth as Ana, Hannah Wilkerson as Cleo Mungus, Maggie Silver as Hawkins, Ricky Yannotti as Marsh and Julie Murphy as Hannah.

2023–24 theatre season continues

Wright State Theatre’s season will continue with “Cabaret” from Nov. 3–19 in the Festival Playhouse. The season also includes:

• “By the Bog of Cats,” Feb. 2–11, Festival Playhouse
• “A Doll’s House,” Feb. 15–18, Herbst Theatre
• “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” Feb. 22–25, Herbst Theatre
• “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” March 15–31, Festival Playhouse

View the season schedule online.