Mr. Marmalade: Dark Comedy Explores Childhood & Adult Themes at SUNY Cortland
SUNY Cortland’s Performing Arts Department is presenting a darkly comedic and emotionally challenging production of Noah Haidle’s “Mr. Marmalade” this week, offering audiences a unique theatrical experience that blends humor with weighty themes. Performances are scheduled for , , and at the Dowd Fine Arts Center Lab Theatre.
The play centers on Lucy, a four-year-old girl, and her imaginative friendship with Mr. Marmalade, an imperfect imaginary companion who helps her navigate complex adult issues. According to production manager and publicity coordinator Benjamin Wells, the production aims to strike a balance between acknowledging the serious subject matter – including violence, domestic abuse, suicide, and child neglect – and allowing audiences to find moments of levity and hope. “While we want audiences to be prepared for these topics, we also want to remind them that it’s OK to laugh and enjoy the many light and hopeful moments,” Wells stated.
The choice of “Mr. Marmalade” reflects a deliberate strategy by the Performing Arts Department to diversify its season, balancing larger-scale productions like the upcoming “Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” with more intimate works suited to the Lab Theatre’s smaller space. Guest director Tanner Efinger suggested the play as an option, recognizing its potential to address significant themes in a compelling way.
Sophomore Athena Molina takes on the lead role of Lucy, a performance she describes as a nuanced exploration of childhood and maturity. “Something that has been challenging about the show is the concept of playing a child pretending to be an adult,” Molina explained. “Even though (Lucy) is four, in her eyes she is very mature. I am not strictly playing a child, meaning I am not purposely doing a child-like voice and always behaving like a toddler. It’s difficult sometimes to find the medium between adult and child. I have to be very specific of the different characteristics that Lucy displays as she presents herself in different scenarios — especially if I want to carry the right tone and intention to the audience.”
Molina emphasized the rewarding aspects of delving into Lucy’s character, particularly during the play’s pre-show, allowing her to tap into her “inner child” and explore the emotional depth of the role. She highlights the play’s ability to juxtapose serious themes with moments of playfulness and imagination.
The production is not only an artistic endeavor but also a learning experience in emotional safety and well-being for the cast and crew. Director Efinger, drawing on his experiences with fringe festivals in England, prioritized creating a supportive environment where actors could engage with challenging material without carrying the emotional weight home with them. He implemented tools for emotional boundaries, decompression, and psychological safety throughout the rehearsal process.
Stage manager Marissa Rowley, a sophomore musical theatre major, echoed this sentiment, noting the unique mentality fostered by the show’s sensitive subject matter. “I believe there is a different mentality for this show with the cast and crew because it does explore such serious themes and This proves such an intimate show,” Rowley said.
Efinger’s vision for the production extends to the staging itself, with seats arranged around the stage to immerse the audience directly into Lucy’s world. He hopes to bring a spirit of inventive theater to Central New York, broadening expectations for local productions. The production aims to be both honest and powerful, while simultaneously prioritizing the well-being of the artists involved.
“Mr. Marmalade” represents a bold choice for SUNY Cortland’s Performing Arts Department, signaling a willingness to tackle complex and challenging material. The production’s focus on emotional safety and artistic integrity underscores a commitment to creating meaningful theatrical experiences for both performers and audiences. Tickets are available through SUNY Cortland’s online Box Office.