OCR Text |
Show The Thunderbird Wife opening Nov. 13 Marie-Louise- ticket-holder- Paqe 13 GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! BY MARIE WATKINS Have we really come so far? That question was asked by Connie A. Layton, director of The Constant Wife, by W. Somerset Maugham. In order to discover whether or not things have changed, Layton, a senior theatre student from Bountiful, decided to use the original 1927 text, instead of the revamped Broadway version, done in the 1940s. The wide span between then and now allows more comparison, and as we see how things were in 1927 we see how our lives are now, said Layton. Marriage hasnt changed in 50 years, Layton concluded. This is a British comedy of manners, and what happens when those manners disappear. Layton said this play was difficult to obtain in its original form. Having no copy of the 1927 script, the Broadway version being the only one available, Layton finally located a copy of the original in a library in Salt Lake City. After she found it, she had to transfer it to a computer, and make copies for the cast members after carefully editing and shortening the work from four hours to three. Every word, every line has a specific meaning, said Layton, which made the play hard to cut at all. The comedy makes the point, and the emphasis of the play has been put on the acting and the quality of the play itself. It discusses what makes a good marriage, whether it is love, fidelity, or the ability to get along together. Although Constance, the wife, and John, her husband are the best and dearest of friends, Constance wants something more for her life than the traditional role of the wife whose duties dont extend beyond obeying her husband. In the 1920s it was proper for men to have a profession and provide for a family, belong to a club, and have affairs. A woman was expected to be her husbands showpiece, shop and spend, have children and send them off to a boarding school, and close her eyes if she saw something she shouldnt, Layton said. Constance deals with things in an entirely different manner. The cast is working as an ensemble to produce the show. The leads will be played by Sherrie Lee Hunt as Constance Middleton, and R. Scott Phillips as her husband, John Middleton. Other members of the cast are: Julianne Crofts as Johns Durham; Ken Blackwell as Bernard Kersal, paramour Marie-Louis- e an old flame of Constances; Lisa Berger as Mrs. Culver, s Constances mother; Rick Van Noy as Mortimer Durham, husband; Shoshana Gaynor as Constances sister Martha Culver; Ann Hollinger as Constances friend, Barbara Fawcett; and Michael Stiver as Bendy, the butler. Gary Owen is the stage manager; Beverly Morris, assistant stage manager; Cindy Robertson, technical director; and Sharon Harrison, costume coordinator. The Constant Wife opens on Wednesday, Nov. 13 and runs until Nov. 16. It is a Stage Two production, so the cost for students is $2, and only 100 seats will be available each night. The curtain will be at exactly 8 p.m., because of the timing pf the music cue, s should arrive around 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on but sale now at the box office from p.m. Tickets for The Constant Wife are general admission (not reserved seating) and are available by calling the box office at 7876 or stopping in personally. On Friday, Nov. 15, a Drama Dialogue will be presented after the play. It will give the audience a chance to chat with the actors about the show, Layton said. Layton could have directed an easier production, but wants to "do The Constant Wife because of what it has to say. The philosophy will sink in after the audience leaves the theatre. People will have time afterword to question their own relationships. TUcsduv Novcm6cr 12, 1985 P. NOW ALL STUDENTS. EMPLOYEES. AND FACULTY OF SUSC WILL RECEIVE A 15noDISCOUNT FROM DR. RICHS ALREADY LOW FEES FOR CONTACTS. GLASSES. & FASHION FRAMES. FACT. EVERYTHING A.F. RICH, PC 60 NORTH MAIN STREET CEDAR CITY, 586-888- 1 NX The Thunderbird' is looking for staff writers and photographers interested in features, news, sports and the arts. Writers receive no pay to start, but may soon be promoted to salaried positions. Also, one hour of college credit is available for working on the newspaper. More than this, writers gain the opportunity to work with an award-winnin- g newspaper, learning writing and production skills. For more information, contact the editor at by the offices of The Thunderbird.' 586-775- 7, or drop |