C.U. Presents closed its modern vampire love story to a packed house at the University of Colorado Loft Theatre in Boulder.
Director Heather Kelley’s adaption of Jack Thorne’s play “Let the Right One In” completed its run to a sold-out theater on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the University of Colorado Loft Theatre.
The audience waits for the sold out presentation of Let the Right One in to begin. Scenic design by Hyley Delich. (Melodie Miller | Photographer)
Based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist, first love, sexual intimidation, and school bullying transcend the borders of time and space in “Let the Right One In.” Eli, a 200-year-old vampire fixed at the age of 12, befriends Oskar, their 13-year-old neighbor, on the playground where Eli is bullied by schoolmates in 1981 Sweden.
Eli, a 12 year old trapped in the body of a 200 year old vampire is played by Wyleigh Watson. (Melodie Miller | Photographer)
The childhood friendship between Eli and Oskar is complex, creating “a dynamic narrative that centers on empathy and fighting for each other despite all the blood and scars,” Brosnan Bustamante, the stage manager said.
Oskar, played by Salem Channell, lives next door to Eli the vampire. Eli, played by Wyleigh Watson, contemplates a Rubix Cube. (Melodie Miller | Photographer)
Let the Right One In ”is a macabre story with a happy ending,” Scenic Designer, Haley Delich, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Technology, and Management said. Oskar is “dealing with bullying and first love,” and Eli “is trapped with the body and the mind of a child.”
When Hakan dies, Oskar becomes Eli’s new companion, giving purpose to their lives.
Bullies Jonny, Jimmy and Micke, play by Ian Von Pechmann, Sam Stitt and Cade respectively, threaten to drown Oskar, played by Salem Channell.
Situated in 1981 Blackeberg, Sweden, the playgrond was the setting where Hakan, Eli’s parent figure, killed and procured blood from his victims for the thirsty 12-year-old child.
Roan Cochrane as Hakan (Right) drains the blood from his victim played by Ian McCance (Left). (Melodie Miller | Photographer)
The emotional topics of the play demanded that stage manager Brosnan Bustamante, a C.U. student, ensure a smooth production. Brosnan prioritized a supportive environment. He minimized stress to keep the team focused on the performance.
Savannah Gullett plays Oskar’s Mum (Left). Norah Shuey plays Halmberg, the police commissioner. (Right)(Melodie Miller | Photographer)
“It’s crucial that the stage, cast, and crew are functioning smoothly, especially in a production that is emotionally intense and technically demanding,” Bustamante said.
The menacing play ground of “Let the Right One In.” (Melodie Miller | Photographer)
Filled with death, blood and bulling, the setting is ironic as a playground but fitting as a place of horror, where children act as monsters.
Bully Jonny, play by Ian Von Pechmann, talks with Oskar, played by Salem Channell.(Melodie Miller | Photographer)
Delich designed the set to evoke a “bit of the horrors of growing up and outgrowing the playground,” she said.
“Let the Right One In” play ground setting designed by Hayley Delich. (Melodie Miller | Photographer)
The cast of “Let the Right One In” take a bow at the close of their successful run.
Salem Channell as Oscar (center front) Middle row: Wyleigh Watson as Eli, Charlie Hough as Mr. Avila, Sam Stitt as Jimmy, Pechmann as Jonny. Back row: Roan Cochrane as Hakan, Ian McCance as Dad, Cade Heaton as Micke, Savannah Gullett (far right, back) as Mum. (Melodie Miller | Photographer)
The minimalistic rusted monkey bar set, designed by Delich, was intended to “mirror the stark lives of the characters,” she said. The characters had outgrown the playground but were emotionally stuck in their childhood experiences where they faced bulling and isolation everyday in “Let the Right One In.”
“Let The Right One In” play ground Scenic design by Hyley Delich. (Melodie Miller | Photographer)
The 2024 C.U. Presents, “Let the Right One In,” is part of the Artists Series, which spans over 80 years on campus. Kelley is pursuing a PhD in Theatre & Performance Studies at C.U. Boulder.
University Theatre Building, 261 University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80302
Melodie Dawn Miller 