Vanessa Vache, top, plays the Teacher pursuing her dreams while her daughter Elizabeth, played by Shelby Brimhall, strives to understand them in NAU Theater's 'Defying Gravity'

'Defying Gravity' commemorates Challenger tragedy

Northern Arizona University Theater will stage a heartfelt production remembering the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle tragedy in its latest performance of the season, Defying Gravity.

The play by Emmy Award-winning writer Jane Anderson tells the story of the 5-year-old daughter of teacher-turned-astronaut Christa McAulliffe, and the anguish she was forced to bear while the nation watched as her mother's space shuttle exploded.

The play combines a montage of characters, including McAuliffe, played by Vanessa Vache and known only as Teacher, and her daughter Elizabeth, played by Shelby Brimhall, who narrates by transforming back and forth from a confused and hurt little girl to a 25-year-old woman trying to find understanding in the skewed memories of her childhood. Other characters affected by the tragedy include a retired couple touring the country in their Winnebago, a NASA mechanic, and artist Claude Monet, who helps tie together all of these characters as they try to find meaning after the unexpected disaster.

Defying Gravity features the works of an all-student design and production team, including Jillian Sykora, director; Ashley Johnstone, lighting designer; Sarah Trieckel, scenic/properties designer; Laura Wirth, costume designer; and Gordon Sanfacon, technical director.

Defying Gravity will be staged at NAU's Studio Theatre at 8 p.m. Feb. 24-25 and March 1-4, with special matinee performances at 3 p.m. Feb. 25-26.

Tickets are $11 for general admission, $10 for faculty, staff and senior citizens, and $8 for NAU students. Call NAU Central Ticketing at (928) 523-5661, or click here.