Mar. 1 , 2007

Two dynamic productions to run in repertory this weekend
Jason E. Weber
weberj@marietta.edu

Starting last night, a weekend of intense theatre began at Marietta College, as the theatre department opened two very different productions in two very different spaces both running in repertory with each other. The first production, which opened last night, is British playwright Claire Dowie's play “All Over Lovely,” a North-American premiere. The second play, which has its first performance tonight, is Sam Shepard's very unique drama “States of Shock.”

Both of these productions are part of the theatre department's “Studio Series,” which was set up to allow student-directors the opportunity to direct for the stage without severely straining the theatre's resources. Essentially, theatre students who qualify for directing are asked to pick a show to work on, and then with a meager $50-$100 budget, depending on the length of the show and the department's stock supplies, must put up a production. As the year has progressed, we have seen several of these “Studio Series” plays shine. This time should be no different.

“All Over Lovely,” directed by Senior theatre major Elizabeth Allard, is a play that deals openly with a lesbian relationship. The two characters, “B” played by Diana Rohlman and “A” played by Dawn Bodnar, discuss and argue about the way their lives and relationships have changed.

The second play, written by the renowned American playwright Sam Shepard and directed by junior theatre major Scott Nyitray, is one of Shepard’s more obscure, least produced plays, “States of Shock.” The production is set in a family restaurant amidst war and destruction. Throughout this violent and bizarre play, the Colonel, played by Matthew Samardge, is locked in an intense struggle with Stubbs, a mute paraplegic veteran played by Zackhary Myers, while two customers dressed in all white (Jessica Webster and Dan Clunies) and a tired waitress named Glory Bee (Laura Horn) attempt to go about their business in this war-torn reality not too far removed from our own.

Nyitray told the Marcolian about his struggle linking the five characters.

“The show tries to do many different things, but does not succeed in one particular aspect.” He said. “Part of my trouble with the show was finding a way to keep the play together in one cohesive unit.”

The added enjoyment for an audience wishing to be a part of this tour de force weekend is that each of the plays has its own theatre and a separate ticket. “All Over Lovely” will be on the apron of the Friedrich Theatre, while “States of Shock” will be held in the Studio Theatre. Both theatres are located in the Hermann Fine Arts Center.

“All Over Lovely” opened last night and will run tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 3 at 9:15 p.m., and Sunday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. “States of Shock” opens tonight at 8:00 p.m. and runs tomorrow night at 9:15 p.m., Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 4 at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, $4.00 for children and students, and free to all Marietta College students and employees. Call the box office at (740) 376-4678 to make reservations or request more information.