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Show Signpost Feb. 28. 1978 P- 8-Track & Cassetts ! starting ag THE A RECORDS a TAPES 1165 Patterson A trip to India, via 'Toy Cart' by John Redding This reviewer had the pleasure and privilege of seeing a preview performance of the Weber State College production of "Toy Cart." Allow me first to explain that the title has nothing to do with the subject matter of the play-at least with this Western version anyway. "Toy Cart" is an ancient play which takes place in India, involving all the elements of the period. The story line has many conflicts, to build enough suspense and intrigue to keep an audience's attention to the very end. Moreover, the conflicts are as ancient as the play itself. The viewer sees truth pitted against deceit, virtue against immorality, love battling hate, honor versus pride. Although the time and place are as distant as east and west, the subtext of the play does hit home base-you should pardon the expression. The reasons for such clarity and acceptance on part of the viewer is obvious, dedication and a great amount of hard work. Several of the actors are required to play more than one or two parts. This task alone requires the ability to be a quick-change artist. This ability is not limited to just changing from one costume to another, but also changing the facial and character makeup required to be acceptible. For this particular performance, everyone required to take up this task did so with The Belliston & Norton Jewely Rock Has Been Found. I - ' ' ST- Winner David B.Herbert The Diamond Was Hidden UnderA Table On The Second Floor Of The Fine Arts Building confidence. However, those actors who were exceptional in this area were, Mitch Hansen, William Hall, Alvin Baker, and Thomas Brueninger. Those actors who played a single role-with the exception of LaMonte Draney (who also played the stage manager) did extremely well. LaMonte Draney, as Santhanaka, a totally corrupt and vile "human being" (a term to be used losely), actually made the viewer hate him. Draney was exquisitly detestable. Bravo LaMonte Draney, a very fine job. To ignore the talents of one, Ned Butikofer, would be to label yourself theatrically handicapped. N. Butikofer as Charudatta, an innocent and holy man, was right on the mark (to coin a phrase) . He was consistant throughout the play, displaying the discipline so badly needed and frequently unseen on stage today. Danetta Cox, as Vasantesena, wealthy aristocrat whose true treasure is in her heart of gold .(these cliches keep coming up, sorry), simply glided across the stage. Her charm and grace are a favorable reflection on Cox's refinement as an actress. Naturally, Scott Butikofer, as Maitreya, a lowly aid to Charudatta, deserves to be mentioned as the fine actor he truly is. S. Butikofer, who actually shaved his head bald to get into the part, was indeed into the part. He played the bumbling, not-so-bright Maitreya to the tee. Several aspects of this play make it exciting. These include the use of pantomime, music (which allows one's minds to travel three fourths of the way around the world to India), the set (simplicity at it's best), the lighting (which defined time and space for the viewer) and naturally, the costumes and makeup (which were the icing on the cake, so-to-speak). The dependence upon pantomime requires a great deal of concentration. Whether this means the actor must feel his way along an imaginary wall on a dark street, opening a door that isn't there, washing feet in a basin that doesn't exist, removing bricks from a wall which is not present or riding in a carriage being pulled across a bumpy road-a tall times the actor is required to concentrate on what he-she is doing on stage. Only a few minor flaws reared on this night's performance. For example, in the scene where Maitreya closed the "door" and stepped out into the street where he met Vasantasena and Madanika (Shawn Burrows) (who were returning with the "stolen jewels"), they proceeded to follow the startled Maitreya through the already closed "door." Moreover, in one scene, the actors seemed to be in competition with the music being played on the overhead sound system. These are truly minor flaws when one considers the overall performance of the play. "Toy Cart" is a trip to ancient India via Western technique and acting styles. Moreover, it most definitely is a trip well worth taking. WW Movie of the Week "Catch 22" Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 7 & 9:30 p. m. EXPERIENCED' CAPABLE Linval (Dilo) Lewis PRESIDENT Govt, of students for students |