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Entertainment
Growing up is hard to do
Spring play tackles some very real gender issues
Something to shout about: A frustrated Mary Kay Davies endures an
explosive outburst from her theatrical husband R.J. Novack.
b Jon Flick
The Collegian
The Matchbox players have
a hit on their hands with
Howard Korder's "Boy's Life"
and "Middle Kingdom."
Director Stephen Buckwald
demonstrates prowess in
theatrical elements, while the
cast's spectacular performance
has sold-out audiences not only
rocking with laughter, but also
contemplating their emotions
as sensitive issues surfaced.
To put it bluntly, if you've
ever been curious to find out
what good theater is, go see
these two fine productions.
Those familiar with theater
and lay-persons alike will
appreciate the straightforward
plots. Nothing is hidden from
view here, and the humor is
very blatant. Each character
has qualities everyone can
empathize with.
"Middle Kingdom" is a one
act play concerning a married
couple who are experiencing
financial difficulties. The
setting is a kitchen at 2:00
a.m., and the husband (R.J.
Novak) is questioning the
purchases of his wife (Mary Kay
Davies). What ensues is a
hilarious tumult, with more
than a hint of irony.
What an appropriate opener
for "Boy's Life," where the
laughs continue. The story
centers around three aging
college men who can't seem to
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escape their glory days. Now
they face the pursuit of modem
women, which is a difficult one.
Jack (Assaf Jaffe), in
particular, has trouble
suppressing his childish
tendencies and strongly
encourages his friends, Don
(Jamele Adams) and Phil (Barry
Westcott), to follow him
wherever he may go. Sex,
drugs, and rock and roll are
status quo.
Many men who see
this play will feel as
if they are looking
into a mirror.
The women involved with
Don and Phil (Bean Ward as
Karen, and Teri Evans as Lisa)
would certainly like to see their
partners mature, but Jack
adamantly forbids this.
Tension manifests itself
between the friends and their
women. It's funny to see,
however, that Jack has
problems of his own, though he
vigorously denies having any.
Buckwald describes
playwright Korder as having
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The Collegian
"an extremely perceptive eye."
"In this piece, he zeroes in
on what guys really do talk
about," the director continues.
Many men who see this
play will be almost looking
into a mirror. What is also
very interesting is seeing the
reactions of the women in the
play as well. It is their
strength which the men draw
upon in their own lives.
Scene continuity . (through
ten scenes total), character
movement, lighting and sound
were excellent. A meticulous
production staff establishes the
mood very well. The music is a
bonus, with selections from the
Doors, the Rolling Stones and
various other rockers.
That production achievement
allows the actors to shine in
their debut. It seemed like the
entire cast was basically on key
and comfortable with their
roles. Hilarious, believable and
profound are words that come to
mind when describing the
incredible opening night
performance.
No one can be singled out
as overshadowing the other
actors. In a production where it
might be easy for , one character
to overpower the others, that is
a great accomplishment. They
handled the arena-like stage
with relative ease (see story at
right).
"Middle Kingdom" and
"Boy's Life" are definitely
worth checking out.
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Taking center stage
Theater "in the round" poses
additional acting challenges
b Jon Flick
Viewers of "Boy's Life" and "Middle Kingdom"
will immediately sense that these are no ordinary
productions. Upon entering the studio theater, one
might expect the typical stage-in-front, seats-in-rear
set up (proscenium staging, as it is referred to).
What they will find is an arena-like setting, where
the stage is in the center of the theater, and seats are
on all four sides. This is commonly called "in the
round."
What this means for the audience is that there will
be no rushing to the front row to see all the action- it
can be seen in all directions. Each actor and actress
will be in view at any given time on stage, which
leads inevitably to a more captivating production.
"To live up to that," says Barry Wescott, who
portrays Phil in "Boy's Life", "the actors have their
work cut out for them."
"Theater in the round will be great for the
audience, but hilarious for the actors," he said,
"because we have to use•threc to four times more
movement"
That might surprise those who thought it might
be easy to act in the arena stage. Actually, there is
much more involved than merely memorizing lines
and stage positions. "You,can t move for movement's
sake," said Westcott. "Each movement must have a
purpose within the framework to the character. It's
really tough?
This attention to body movement is critical in
countering the only falling point of theater in the
round, the fact that the actor's faces are not always
visible to each member of the audience. Body
movement must convey what a facial expression
normally would. "As it turns out," said Westcott, "it
will work out very well. Even though the audience
can only see the face of one actor at a time, they can
still sense exactly what the others are doing."
Considering that the actors and actresses must be
funny in addition to being as technically correct as
possible, this production proves to be quite a
challenge.
"Boy's Life" and "Middle Kingdom" will be
presented through this Saturday, April 13, and
Wednesday, April 17 through Saturday, April 20, at
8 p.m. The Matchbox Players will also present
Sunday matinees on April 14 and April 21, at 2 p.m.
Attila the Hun. Ivan the Terrible. Al Capone.
They were all seven once.
PROD
Thursday, April 11, 1991
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