On March 2, I attended GOD and The Book of Liz, presented by the WKU Department of Theatre & Dance. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I entered Gordon Wilson Hall’s black box theatre, but I was surprised to find not only a full house, but an evening of McRib-tickling enjoyment — minus the calories.

The night consisted of two student directed plays back-to-back: GOD by Woody Allen, and The Book of Liz by Amy and David Sedaris. One play written by a classic comedian, actor, and director, and the other by the equally comedic talent family. It was left to WKU to pull a Chippendales, and put on a good show. Not only was my appetite for a great show fulfilled (must we remember last month’s Emma at PTK?) but they even left me a complete hard-on for the Department of Theatre & Dance.

First, I applaud WKU for adapting to their audience type, while still maintaining an appreciation for the theatre. And secondly, not only for their hard work, but their dedication as well. Both casts and crews found themselves rehearsing up to five times a week. The cast of GOD started the day before classes, and The Book of Liz in the beginning of February.

After first writing and submitting a proposal to adapt the play, which for some reason on a college campus is necessary, the two amazing directors Kaitlen Osburn and Holly Yokley had to hand pick their small casts from over 45 students that auditioned. And just like Tyra Banks, picture by picture they eliminated, until they were left with the fiercest cast WKU has to offer.

The first play, GOD, broke the fourth wall by pulling conveniently placed audience members into the play and making us question the boundaries of the theatre and our own imaginations. Though not appropriate for children (I would know — I am often confused for one, at 5’4”) the show never stopped surprising the audience throughout the night, and constantly had to stop for overwhelming laughter.

A special applaud goes out to Cory Hardin who played the role of “Diabetes.” Though Wilford Brimmely was no where to be found, this WKU freshman exploded with talent and left his audience questioning what amazing performances we can expect from him in the future. His co-star “Hepatitis,” played by Gary Taylor, was played a bit too big, but for the most part this proved to be effective. The cute and quirky “Doris Levine” (played by Doris Levine) and the “Stab Victim” played by Chelsea Dickerson had the audience in stitches. But one of my personal favorites, played by Caitlin Clemons, Lusie Cuskey, and Allison Taylor, was the chorus. A wonderfully executed idea on behalf of director Osburn, these bubblegum-poppin’, Cosmo-readin’, super-fierce divas, looked like something out of a drag show. Each sporting hair straight out of the video for Lady Marmalade, this trio always took the spotlight.

The second play, The Book of Liz, I was almost afraid for because they had a hard act to follow. But not only did they hold their own, they made a presence all their own. This play follows the life of a young nun named “Elizabeth Donderstock” (Krystle Clark). Accompanied by the talented Molly Kays, who played “Oxana.”

This multi-talented cast of six played 15 roles in full — a smart decision on director Yokley’s part. And kept its audiences completely in tune all the way. My spotlight performance in this play though, has to go to the incredibly talented Emily Althaus, who played “Cecily,” “Dr. Ginley,” and most memorably, “Sister Butterworth.” With her spot-on characterization, this senior had the audience waiting for her next word with bated breath.

Each play rivaled the other so intensely, it seemed like battle royale of top talent. It’s no surprise that on the second night, word had spread so quickly that they even oversold tickets, leaving eager audience members standing in the back and in the wings the entire show.

These shows were something to be proud of, and it was obvious on the director’s faces (especially considering WKU had a mere $100 budget.) I was thoroughly impressed and will continue coming back for more.

I encourage anyone, theatre students or not, to make the journey up the hill. It’s definitely worth the walk. With only three dollars for admission, these shows are a steal. Their next performances, both dramas, are The Zoo Story and Rever-ber-ber-berations will be on May 4 and 5. Though the directors will be different, WKU has raised the bar, and I will be expecting just as much. And as for front row, I plan on being there.