Get ready for a farce.
The Department of Theater and Dance will present “Servant of Two Masters” Wednesday, Nov. 11 through Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. in Yulman Theater.
The play, by Carlo Goldoni, is directed by William Finlay as a cross between traditional Italian commedia and postmodern vaudeville, pitting a madcap servant against masters, mistresses, lovers, lawyers – and 27 plates of meatballs.
"This production is unique because there is a rugged, relaxed composition to the set, costumes and acting,” said Bart Tomaszewski ’10, who plays the lead role, Truffaldino. “The story is fun. Trying to keep two masters is especially hard since they are staying at the same inn and are looking for each other. There are many complicated situations I find myself in, and I have to lie my way out of them.”
He also noted how intriguing Professor Charles Steckler’s set design is, with its exaggerated buildings that offer different perspectives. “The farther down the stage, the smaller the set pieces. This makes people seem taller than they really are,” Tomaszewski said.
Finlay attributes part of the fun – and the challenge – to the fact that “they are mixing periods and recycling other shows into this show. The students have to get adjusted to the fact that they are in mask and are doing a farce, which is very demanding physically.”
“When the audience enters the theater, they will be able to tell the play is light and comedic right from the start,” said Amy Wiener ’12. “My character, Clarice, is definitely an enjoyable part. There is nothing better than playing a silly and obnoxious girl fighting for her happiness. She’s ‘dizzy with love,’ and as they say, love makes you do stupid things.”
Of Truffaldino, she said, “He’s just amusing to watch. We never know what he will do or say just to get food in his darling stomach.”
Other students with lead roles are Althea Schepperly ’12 as Beatrice, Anne Woodward ’11 as Doctore Lombardi, Kamara Simpson '10 as Pantalone and Monica Niedermeyer ’10 as Smeraldina.
Alecia Pickett ’11 is stage manager, and Shannon Vandawalker ’12 is in charge of mask design and construction.
Technical director and production manager is Visiting Assistant Professor Steven Michalek. Costume designer is Professor Lloyd Waiwaiole. Senior Artist-in-Residence Patricia Culbert is vocal coach. In addition to directing, Finlay is the show’s sound designer.
Tickets are available for purchase at the Yulman Theater Box Office; 388-6545.