By Allison Rothschild
The Daily Cardinal
Corsets, swordplay, sexual innuendo and provocative one-liners are at the center of the University Theatre's first student production of the year, ""The Rover.""
Directed by Tony Simotes, head of the theatre's acting specialist program, ""The Rover"" is an all-undergraduate play, a departure from previous years when most University Theatre productions were dominated by graduate students and faculty. Although one might expect that a younger cast would make for a less professional show, Aphra Behn's ""The Rover"" has such a childish energy, that younger players enhance the experience, making ""The Rover"" a worthwhile night at the theater.
Set on a Caribbean island during the English restoration period, the play is an ultimate battle of the sexes. The stories intertwine between a series of English cavaliers and island inhabitants. First, there are the three sisters: Hellena, Florinda and Valeria, (played by undergrads Liz Holtan, Nicole Gottleib, and Paloma Nozicka, respectively) who want to take advantage of their last days of freedom before being married off, joining a convent, etc. Trying to win Hellena's heart is Willmore, a lovable cad-type played by senior Peter Bissen, who has also been stringing along the older but fiery Angela Bianca (played by an engaging Jessica Bartz).
The love triangles and confrontations go on and on, but are nicely complimented with comic relief by the talented Emily Tucker as Angela's right-hand woman and Ryan Driscoll in pitch-perfect buffoonery as Blunt. Some of the show's strongest moments come with the full ensemble numbers, where the combination of dancing and costumes allow the show to take on the reckless excitement the author meant to evoke.
Although the play is strengthened by a big cast, the real stars of the show are the lavish costumes and intricate set. The set designer, Michael Fields, created a setting which allows characters to comically chase each other in between houses, through doors and passageways, evoking Noel Coward-esque hilarity. Costume designer Joanna Melville has created an array of corsets and dresses so lavish and sexy, that upcoming Halloween goers could probably get an idea or two.
As a period piece, the play has its moments of slowness, mainly in the first act, which runs a little long. However, the number of storylines and off-the-wall characters keep the audience from losing interest. It is a breath of fresh air to see strong female characters portrayed in a time when there was much gender (as well as class) inequality. Underneath the frivolity and ridiculousness of Behn's banter is a true and meaningful message, which makes ""The Rover"" a full theatrical experience.
The Rover
Where:
Mitchell Theatre
When:
Oct. 25-27, Nov. 2-4
7:30 p.m., Nov. 4, 2 p.m.
How much:
$18 general admission, $14 students
