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... and the
Band played On!
The TU Marching Band performed the
National Anthem at 5/3 Field in Toledo.
The Mud Hens hosted the Indianapolis Indians.
26 CHALLENGE > Fall / Winter 09
Theatre
aN EVENINg OF CulTuRE’
A hammer pounds to finish the set, the phone rings, the cast and crew are
not sure of their cues and a dog keeps barking offstage. So begins “An
Evening of Culture,” the fall production of the Dragon’s Den Players at Tiffin
University.
“Though we usually choose something
more serious for the fall production, we felt
that comedy would be welcomed during
these hard economic times,” remarks Dr.
Mary Grennen, Assistant Professor of English
and Director of Theatre Arts.
Written by Mark Landon Smith, the comedy
revolves around a community theater
Shakespeare production. The actors and
director assemble for opening night of
“Romeo and Juliet.” The stage is set with a
lovely castle scene, complete with a central
Dr. Mary Grennen
arch, columns and turrets, but the audience soon learns the show is far from
ready for prime time. But, as the saying goes, “The show must go on.”
Some of the cast members have dual roles as a thespian and a play character;
their personal lives spill over into the scenes of the play, turning the tragic
story into a farce. Adding to the fray are technical problems, such as
microphones that work too well, missed light cues, “wardrobe malfunctions,”
remarks and word plays that are not part of the script, and set pieces that
do not work properly. When a door does not open, Juliet makes her first
entrance by bursting through a flat and a tree that was not placed before the
lights come up scoots onto the stage during the opening scene.
Evening of Culture Set
In addition to backstage yelling and barking, the audience was treated to
onstage antics. Ruthann can’t get a word in edgewise as she tries to introduce
the show. Luther adjusts a “wedgie” and later bangs his head on the archway.
Delbert fixes the steps in the middle of the famous balcony scene. Mrs.
Capulet tries to sell cosmetics as she discusses Juliet’s engagement.