This is a past event.

MICHIGAN TECH THEATRE SERIES EVENT

Men on Boats is a play by Jaclyn Backhaus that tells the true story of John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, where he led a crew of ten men on a perilous journey through uncharted rapids and treacherous terrain.  Highlighting both the physical challenges of the expedition and the interpersonal dynamics between the crew members, often portrayed with a humorous and satirical edge; a unique aspect of the play is that it is performed with a cast of women and non-binary actors depicting the historically male crew.

The production features a talented cast of Michigan Tech students:

John Wesley Powell - Paige Harsevoort
William Dunn - Celia Peters
John Colton Sumner - Zoe Oetjens
Old Shady - Leona Lins
Bradley - Ysa Cerbo
O. G. Howland - Sebastian Dash
Seneca Howland - Drew Karimi
Frank Goodman - Lexi Meyer
Hall - Abby Pilon
Hawkins - Alyssa Johnson

Things to know

DATE | Tuesday-Friday, November 18-21, 2025
TIME | 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION | McArdle Theatre
EST. RUN TIME | 90 Minutes, no intermission
SEATING | General Admission
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able ($20 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able? 
MICHIGAN TECH STUDENT RUSH TICKETS | Request from the Rozsa Box Office in advance or walk up What is Student Rush?

CONTENT GUIDANCE | Alcohol use, tobacco use, adult language, & simulated gun fire.

Tickets may be purchased at the door in McArdle Theatre, online, or on the phone/in person at the Rozsa Box Office during Rozsa Box Office Hours.
Rozsa Lobby is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 1-8 p.m. on Saturdays.
Seating begins a half hour prior to the event start time. 

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Support for this Michigan Tech Theatre Event provided by:

and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters.

About the Performers

Meet the cast, creative team, and production team in the event's digital program. Programs are published at least one day prior to the event.

About the Director: Nich Radcliffe teaches classes in acting, directing, theatre history, and dramatic theory & criticism. He also directs Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts Department theatrical productions and is faculty advisor to the MTU Performance Club. 

Nich holds a BA in Theatre with an Acting/Shakespeare concentration and an MFA in Directing with a secondary focus in Dramaturgy/New Play Development. In undergrad Nich studied acting with Tony winning Artistic Director and founding member of Looingglass Theatre, Andy White. He also studied Viewpoints with Emmy Nominee, star of stage and screen Alexandra Billings. View full bio.

About the Presenter

Michigan Tech Theatre creates live entertainment events for the Keweenaw, sharing the creative and scholarly work of students and faculty from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Performances range from traditional stage plays and musicals–performed in the McArdle Theatre or on the Rozsa stage–to haunted houses, interactive museum displays, and fashion shows.

Part of the the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students from across campus, community members, and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone.

View all Michigan Tech Theatre Series Event.

Related Events

Haunted Smelter - Michigan Tech Theatre
Thursday-Saturday, October 23-25, 2025 | 7 p.m.

Men on Boats - Michigan Tech Theatre
Tuesday-Friday, November 18-21, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.

Proof - Michigan Tech Theatre
Thursday-Saturday, February 19-21, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.

Museum Explorations - Michigan Tech Theatre
Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11, 2026 | TBA time

Explore upcoming Michigan Tech Theatre Events.