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M. Craig Getting regards himself as “an intense nerd” yet does not count an affinity for science as much of a contributing cause to his geekdom. Like the discipline’s most fervent practitioners, though, the 28-year-old possesses commendable curiosity and is exploring the power of pursuing knowledge as the director of “QED,” Lantern Theater Co.’s look at lauded physicist Richard Feynman.
“When people think of the scientific world, it’s easy to become lost among the terms and concepts,” the resident of 15th and Wharton streets said at the Center City-situated St. Stephen’s Theater, which is staging the play through Dec. 14. “With Feynman, though, there was a yearning to explain matters to the layperson, and this work addresses that and other aspects of his humanity.”
The Newbold dweller is helming his fifth project for the Lantern, with Barrymore Award winner Peter DeLaurier, whom he directed in last years’ “Heroes,” portraying Feynman, who shared the 1965 Nobel Prize in Physics with two figures for their efforts in quantum electrodynamics, the field that yields the play’s acronymic title. Aware of the company’s successful 2006 production of Peter Parnell’s brainchild, Getting saw the opportunity as a method to further the entity’s emphasis on audience enrichment, which, in turn, has intensified his sense of integration.
“I identify with Feynman as an educator,” the overseer, whose Lantern teaching artist duties have included interaction with learners from Girard Academic Music Program, 2136 W. Ritner St., and will engender encounters with pupils from The Academy at Palumbo, 1100 Catharine St., next year, said. “We want to make others excited about what excites us and instill wonder and curiosity as elements of that process.”
Pulling off that feat for “QED,” which Getting noted neatly fits in with Lantern’s ledger of language-driven pieces, has required an admiration for being content with confusion, or, in other words, happy to have a certain level of ambiguity in what one experiences. Accepting that uncertainty creates a hunger for more investigations, with Getting proving an apt student.
“He’s influential to me and possibly for many others because he simultaneously encourages us to contemplate mysteries while also enticing us to question all facts and not just use what will fit our arguments,” he said of the scientist, whose other endeavors include the development of the atomic bomb and the quest to determine what caused the Space Shuttle Challenger catastrophe. “He’s incredibly relevant, especially in an era where people are so covetous of wisdom yet afraid to go after it.”
Getting has become a begetter of scientific inquiry, but no matter what his new universe instills in him, including recognizing and revering the huge repercussions that small components of life can have, he will not abandon the stage for a laboratory.
“I feel fortunate that I’ve developed a voice in the local theater scene by this age,” he said. “It’s a great community and I’ve made many friendships with people who want to offer great work. It’s a rewarding time to be in Philadelphia, that’s for sure.”
Quickly evolving into a seeker of scientific insight, Getting initially craved musical majesty as a trumpeter. The King of Prussia native began lessons as an elementary school registrant but discovered in high school that creating theatrical harmony mattered more than forging note-based accord. Starting as a musicals maven, he shifted to plays his final two years yet did not feel an instant urge to make playhouses his vocational destinations.
“I was really into English and thought that would be my calling, but I started acting right away at Kenyon College, so that led me to switch my focus to drama,” Getting said. “I found it very easy to fall in with enthused people and get at the heart of our offerings.”
The ambitious enrollee used his time at the Ohio-based school to strengthen his comprehension of scripts and to contextualize characters and plays. Drawn to acting, he transitioned to directing when feeling he could not master a role in the institution’s ’06 presentation of “The Last Five Years.”
“I love looking at the depth of meaning in works and really admire a well-made play, like something by [Anton] Chekhov or [Henrik] Ibsen,” Getting said, noting Kenyon’s penchant for addressing classic pieces, a fondness that he assisted through his capstone project, ’08’s “Waiting for Godot.” “That interest increases with every job that I land because I really want shows to be worthwhile for audience members.”
Returning to the area upon his graduation, he connected with the Norristown-based Theatre Horizon for ’08’s “Really Rosie,” commencing his Lantern sojourn the same year as an assistant director. The company has kept him busy, as “QED” marks the artistic and administrative associate’s 10th production for the often commended entity.
“I’ve had wonderful experiences with tremendous collaborators,” the thankful figure, who has also piloted works for the Allens Lane Theater; Murmuration Theater, of which he is a company member; the FringeArts Festival; the University of Pennsylvania; and Commonwealth Classic Theatre, Curio Theatre and Renegade companies, said. “I admire having this chance to examine Feynman, who makes it well-known that we should take stock of what we don’t understand and look to do something about it other than remaining ignorant of what it could produce.”
Like the physicist, Getting respects that “… it’s much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong.” He intends to take the Feynman quote with him when he directs Plays & Players Theatre’s spring presentation of “Homebody,” starring Dickinson Square West resident Corinna Burns. Going forward, he anticipates immersing himself even more excitedly within the Philadelphia theater scene, a love that he shares with his girlfriend, and expects to develop a burgeoning interest in new works.
“There’s a groundswell of support for novelty here,” Getting said. “I can’t deny that that motivates me to experiment.”
For tickets, call 215-829-0395, or visit lanterntheater.org.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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