TCC Theater Prepares To Debut “Cry of the Peacock”

Tidewater Community College (TCC) Theater is only one week away from debuting the powerful and emotionally charged drama Cry of the Peacock on April 10-12, at the TCC Black Box Theater on the Chesapeake Campus. Written by Billy W. Boone II, the play shines a light on the sensitive and often overlooked issue of child abuse, just in time for Child Abuse Awareness Month.

            Cry of the Peacock tells the story of 9-year-old Mary Blanton, a young girl who believes her nightmares have come to life and are attacking her at night. When her teacher notices suspicious marks on Mary’s neck, the possibility of child abuse is reported to Dr. Janice Todd, a professional tasked with investigating the claim. The emotional tension and personal stakes of this intense drama promise to leave audiences not only thinking about the issue of child abuse, but also reflecting on the complexity of human experience in such circumstances.

The production features a talented cast of 13 performers, including TCC theater students, alumni, and other members of the TCC community. Some actors are returning to the stage after a break, while others have no formal theater training but share a deep love for the craft.

The show is a collaborative effort involving numerous backstage roles, including directors, stage production team members, costume designers, and sound technicians, all of whom work behind the scenes to bring this emotionally intense play to life.

            The show is being directed by Taylor Durham and Tristan Hicks. Tristan’s deep personal ties to the play’s themes have given him a strong motivation to use the show as a means to educate audiences on the serious issues of child abuse. 

“This story is important because it sheds light on an issue that is often hidden in the shadows,” said Tristan. “I am really glad that our show has the opportunity to open a conversation about it, particularly during Child Abuse Awareness Month. This show is nuanced, it portrays the complexities of these situations and treats them with the sensitivity they deserve, while not shying away from the harsh truths.”

The cast and crew have only been rehearsing and preparing for opening night for about five weeks, and Hicks praises the collaborative effort that it has taken to put the show together. 

“I truly lucked out with this program and the people involved, from the production team to the cast to the crew. Everyone has poured their hearts into this show, and I am incredibly proud of how far they have come in a short time,” said Tristan.

Hicks is particularly excited for audiences to get their first look at the stunning, custom-designed costumes the play is showcasing, specifically for the nightmares that play a central role in the show. 

“These costumes are one-of-a-kind, and we’ve never done costumes like this in the program,” said Tristan. “The glitz and glam of it all is really special, and I can’t wait for everyone to see.”

Ella Breshears, a second-year TCC student, plays one of the leading roles as Dr. Janice Todd. With a background in theater that began in third grade, Ella has long been involved in TCC productions.

“The sense of community in TCC Theater is amazing,” said Ella. “We come together to create something beautiful, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Taking on a role in a story about child abuse is not easy, but Ella is eager to bring attention to this critical issue. 

“Child abuse is a hard topic to talk about, but it’s something that needs to be discussed,” said Ella. “This play shows that abuse comes from all directions, and it’s more prevalent than we often realize. I’m grateful to be part of a show that helps raise awareness about it.”

For Ella, theater has always been an essential part of her life, with both of her parents being actors as well. 

“Being on stage is just a part of me now, and I love the opportunity to share that with the audience,” said Ella. “This role, especially, has been challenging, but it’s so rewarding. Dr. Todd is cold-hearted at times, and the intensity needed to portray her is something I’ve really had to work on. But I’m excited for people to see it.”

Cry of the Peacock will be performed at the TCC Black Box Theater, located at 1428 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Performances will take place April 10-12 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee performance on April 12 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 for faculty, staff, alumni, military, adults, and seniors, and $5 for TCC students. Tickets can be purchased online at tidewater.universitytickets.com.

Please note that the TCC Box office will open 45 minutes prior to showtime, and due to the intimate setting of the Black Box Theater, latecomers will not be seated.

This is a performance you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a TCC student, an alumnus, or a member of the community, this is a chance to experience a show that educates, challenges, and inspires. To stay up to date on all TCC Theater events, make sure to follow them on Facebook @TCCTheater and Instagram @tcc.theater.