A group picture of the cast and crew for “The Mercy Project” is shown with all members making the Warhawk sign. Picture by Tre Redden.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Sept. 30, 2026) – It’s that time of year again, folks. The air is getting bearable, midterm season is in full swing and most importantly, Theatre AUM is putting on its newest fall performance “The Mercy Project.”
There is quite a bit that makes this performance different from ones that Theatre AUM has put on in years prior.
The most notable of these differences is that “The Mercy Project” is an original AUM production featuring stories set in colonial America before the American Revolution, and from the perspective of a rebellious woman whose name is not widely in history books.
The performance was created and directed by Theatre Professor Val Winkelman, and it is based on the works of Mercy Otis Warren, who was a prolific writer and supporter of the 13 colonies during the American Revolutionary War.
In a previous AUMnibus article, Winkelman explained why she was inspired to create this piece. She said given this year marks the 250th anniversary of American independence from Great Britain, it seemed like a perfect time to celebrate our history, drama and writers.
With that in mind she chose to highlight the works of the underappreciated Mercy Otis Warren – the songwriter, poet and playwright of the American Revolution who urged colonists to fight back against British rule.
As for the contents of the play, it can best be described as a medley of works, pieces and history cleverly intertwined to both inform and entertain audiences.
It is a one-hour performance containing letters, songs and segments of plays written by Warren, with one piece, a short play called “The Group”, being a highlight.
The final dress rehearsal took place this past Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and luckily, AUMnibus staff was allowed to watch this performance so that we could inform you if “The Mercy Project” is worth your time; and I can now say without a shadow of a doubt that, yes, dear readers, you should absolutely watch this performance.
To begin describing the incredible work by the department, let’s begin with another difference between this performance and others – there is music.
On stage are Wetumpka-based educator and musician Davis Whitfield, computer science sophomore Wesley McCaslin, junior pre-nursing major Lucy Wilson and sophomore criminal justice major Allison Reynolds who play multiple instruments, including drums, fiddle, flute, accordion and clarinet in order to both set the mood with folk-style music and to perform some of the songs acted out on stage.
This element of music alone makes “The Mercy Project” an experience that is both fun and unique from other shows put on by Theatre AUM.
In addition to the atmospheric music, this is the first time that AUM has put on a piece set in a pre-industrial (before the late 1800s) time period since their outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” back in the spring of 2021.
As for “The Mercy Project”, there is a certain charm that old-timey settings such as that of colonial America have, and that charm was brought fully and masterfully to bear with the stellar appearance of the performers.
For that, I must also recognize the truly incredible work of graduate student and administrator Faith Roberts for costume design and senior Tyreanna Causey who worked on makeup and hair design.
The final piece of praise I will give the show (lest we be here all day) regards the actors’ performance.
There were nine speaking actors on stage. Out of those, three were good and six were outstanding.
It was clear to anyone watching that not only were the actors passionate about this performance, they were enjoying every second of it.
Junior theatre major Atticus O’Banner is worth particular mention for his vibrant and enthusiastic performance in a short farce piece called “The Group” roughly halfway through the performance.
His manner and cadence of speech enrapture the ears while his use of body language and extravagant posing and gestures add an element of visual humor to the writing that really enhanced the act.
While the piece itself had great comedy in the writing, it really was the over-the-top performance of the actors that made it so humorous.
Overall, I would highly recommend going to see this performance if you have the opportunity.
The production runs Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 2-3 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 8 – Saturday, Oct. 10 also at 7:30 p.m.; and the final performance is a matinee on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Entry to the show is free for students, staff, faculty and military members, and general admission is only $10 with a 50% senior discount.
I look forward to seeing you there as I certainly foresee myself attending again after the show opens to the general public.
“Come swallow your bumpers, ye Tories, and roar
That the Sons of fair Freedom are hamper’d once more;
But know that no Cut-throats our spirits can tame,
Nor a host of Oppressors shall smother the flame.”
– Massachusetts Song Of Liberty
Mercy Otis Warren
