ASU theatre show celebrates love in ‘Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea’

What is love? Arizona State University students in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre examine that question in the third production of this year’s theatre season: “Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea.”

This loose adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” examines Andersen’s personal struggles with relationships and celebrates queer love.

ASU theatre major Matthew Geraghty plays the role of Dolan, who narrates the story and also finds himself involved in the lives of his characters throughout the play. Geraghty is a design and production major who generally works behind the scenes; this is his first role as an actor. He said he felt this role was an opportunity to play a character in a story that resonated with his own.

“When I first read the script, I really liked it because of its connection to queerness,” Geraghty said. “It felt very applicable to my life. It doesn’t just take a queerness approach to the characters, but also to the plot line itself, and takes a stand against conventional narrative.”

The story takes place in a fictional world where a rain cloud can fall in love with a human, cows talk and a prince finds his princess. Assistant Professor Amanda Pintore is directing the show and bringing the play to life through color, play and quirkiness.

“The show is wild,” Pintore said. “It’s abstract. It takes place in a number of different worlds — some that are historical and some that are pure fiction. But above all, this show is a celebratory space of queer joy. And we are so excited to share that with audiences.”

Multi-genre artist Jisun Myung, an ASU alum and current music specialist in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, will play original, devised music throughout the show. Myung worked with performers to create unique soundscapes that she will play live from a raised platform built into the set.

“This show is really unique because we have an incredible musician who is playing with us live,” said Pintore. “Jisun Myung is an unbelievable musician and artist who works here at ASU, and she has been in our rehearsal process. She’s not just playing live on stage with us, she’s actually working with the performers to devise all original music for the production. So when audiences come in and they hear the soundscape that’s been created, it’s specifically for our production.”

The show opens on Valentine’s Day — fitting for the show’s message of love. But for those avoiding cupid this year: don’t worry. The story celebrates all forms of love, including platonic, familial, self-love and queer love. The cast says there is something for everyone in this show.

“It’s a good time!” said freshman theatre major Akayla Weathers, who plays Little One. “I think everyone will love it. It’s bright and whimsical. If you’ve been missing that in a show, then I think you’d really love ‘Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea.’”

The show runs Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 23 in the Galvin Playhouse Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online through the Herberger Institute Box Office.

By Abigail Wilt