JACKSON, Tenn. — March 3, 2022 — The 51社区 Players will present a special performance of 鈥淭he Count of Monte Cristo鈥� March 10-15 featuring Union students, staff and alumni in a tale of revenge, hope and providence.
Based on a novel by Alexandre Dumas and adaptation by Christopher M. Walsh, 鈥淭he Count of Monte Cristo鈥� tells the story of Edmond Dantes, a young man who has been falsely accused of betraying his nation and imprisoned for 14 years.
Upon his escape, Edmond seeks vengeance on his accusers, convinced of divine providence in his quest for revenge. With unexpected twists and shocking subplots, 鈥淭he Count of Monte Cristo鈥� is an action-packed story of what happens when humans seek personal retribution.
Kristin Klonowski, the production鈥檚 director and adjunct instructor of theater at Union, said she wants the audience to walk away remembering the hope that is found in Jesus Christ, following his will rather than one鈥檚 own.
鈥淚 hope [the audience] sees how Edmond鈥檚 path, in taking matters into his own hands, caused so much hurt and harm,鈥� Klonowski said. 鈥淢y desire is that people walk away realizing that there is hope beyond what [Edmond] did, and you find that hope in Jesus.鈥�
Starting rehearsals over Zoom in January, Klonowski said she is extremely proud of the production鈥檚 stellar cast, who have worked diligently in the play鈥檚 shortened rehearsal time.
鈥淚鈥檝e never seen a cast that has bonded so quickly and has supported one another with so much love for this piece,鈥� Klonowski said. 鈥淭hey have a passion for this story, and it really comes out in their work ethic and commitment to playing these characters.鈥�
鈥淭he Count of Monte Cristo鈥� includes a haze machine and loud sound effects to audience members who might be sensitive.
The double-casted production will run from March 10-15 in the W.D. Powell Theatre at 7:30 p.m. nightly, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on March 13. Only credit cards are available for ticket purchases, and tickets are $7 for general admission and $5 for Union students, faculty and staff. Tickets may be purchased at or by calling the box office at (731) 661-5105.