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Show 2C]PAGE 9 ‘Prisoner’ bleak THEATRE REVIEW BY CHERIS TUCKER Thunderbird Arts Editor For all those students expecting SUU’s production of Neil Simon’s Prisoner of Second Avenue to be funny, be prepared for a totally different interpretation of a comedy. Not only is the performance, directed by student Jesse Berger, more serious than expected, it is depressing to the point that the intended humor seems out of place. However, it manages to grow on one as it moves on. Mel, played by R. Matthew Benton, is shown in the opening act to be a frustrated, middle-aged, laid-off white-collar executive. And Benton portrays the frustration of his character so well that he is not likable initially when Randi Wagner, left, shows one of her paintings to Missie Wilson, an English major from Marysvale, during an opening reception for her exhibit in the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery Thursday. The exhibit, entitled, ‘Traward Journey,” is in the large gallery until March 7. An exhibit hosting works by Utah artist L’Deane Trueblood is in the small gallery. Concert is Friday The Southern Utah University music department will he continues to berate his wife Edna, played by R. Maren Edna Edison in ‘Prisoner of Second Avenue,’ which runs this Thursday through Saturday. Tickets are 2. McLean Mel is upset because not only was he laid off, but he hates New York anyway, his toilet doesn’t flush unless the handle is jiggled (which he refuses to do—it must be a male thing) and his cactus is dying because of pollution. And things only get worse as the apartment is robbed and all of Mel and Edna’s possessions are stolen—even down to their Valium and Scotch. In the first act it seems like Mel is just repeatedly complaining and Edna is trying in vain to understand him, which grows tiring—one almost prays for someone new to make an f;:]sjcm a concert Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Thorley Recital entrance. However, the two egg each other on to The concert will feature the SUU women’s Choir, String Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. The Women’s Choir, overall depressing feeling that permeates the directed by Suzanne Draayer, will perform works by Britten and Persichetti: The Flute Choir, directed by Virginia Stitt, will feature works by Smetena and Debussy, while the String Ensemble, directed by Thomas Silliman, will perform music by Dvorak. James Harrison will direct the Percussion Ensemble, which will perform works by Carlos Chavez. Admission is $3 for adults. " BUSY fits of hysteria, which add starved-for points of humor. However, as I noted before, due to the performance, the humor (although Simon intended it) seems ill-placed. And the set is even depressing. Tt consists of only the framework of the walls—supposedly, with the all the boards revealed similar to a jail cell—to enhance the meaning of ‘prisoner.”” However, it seems to just add a dreary feeling. Matthew Benton and Maren McLean are Mel and Although the majority of the play is downcast, a highlight is viewing the relationship between Benton and McLean. They seem to demonstrate sincere emotion for each other—their affection appears so real its almost tangible. Another highlight is when Mel’s family comes to see him after he has a nervous breakdown. One can instantly see where Mel gets his highstrung tendencies. His three sisters and brother are not only boisterous, they are also clueless in etiquette—even though they mean well. The feeling of the play changes when they are on stage—their ceaseless energy and humorous antics contradict the bleak atmosphere. Although after viewing Prisoner of Second Avenue, one would probably never guess it was supposed to be a comedy, the play is worth seeing—once, anyway—just to see how it has been interpreted. The play runs Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Auditorium. students with L.D. Tickets are $2 for B. roowms For ReNT -Single men and women -Large spacious furnished separate houses -Large kitchen, living room, fireplace, washer, phone -$130 per month and up For more information call Jeff at 865-0001 or Judy at 586-9411 @ Every Tuesday is SUU Student Day with all washers only 50¢. The All-American Grand Standers. Outdoor Sports, Good Friends, Justin Boots. The All-American Way to Play. Open 7 days a week. ALL DAY 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Last Load in by 9 p.m. LAUNDRACLEAN 1117 No. Main — 586-1405 JOLLEY’S 52 N. Main BEST SELECTION AROUND | i |