Theatre Newsletter: March 2002

February 28 edition 5-02. St. Ambrose University
Department Chair- Dr. Corinne Johnson-  (563) 333-6427
Theatre Department Web Page - http://web.sau.edu/theatre/
Newsletter Editor: Megan O'Connell SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com

-----------------------------------------
"How I Learned to Drive" Reaches Audience

February 22-24, the St. Ambrose University Theatre Department offered its audiences a fascinating, yet twisted view of child molestation. "How I Learned to Drive" by Paula Vogel, tells the story of misplaced love between Li'l Bit and her Uncle Peck. The story centers around Li'l Bit and her memories of her childhood. Her memories encompass her family and their attitudes about sex and the relationships between men and women.  When Li'l bit is overwhelmed with her family's crass behaviors she turns to Peck for support and understanding.

The audience sees Li'l Bits memories in different scenes ranging in Li'l Bit's ages of 11-35.  Beth Curley played Li'l Bit exceptionally and demonstrated the character's age in her voice and gesticulations. Costume changes also happened throughout the show by adding a sweater or shirt to support the scene and the characters' ages.

A challenging role was well played by Aaron Randolph III. Uncle Peck, the most despicable character because of his pedophilia, must also appeal to the audience as a "nice guy", or your next door neighbor. Randolph's characterization of a man who suffers from the disease and commits the horrible deeds to a child is supported by his commitment to his character and the story.

Yet, there are other characters in this story that turn their heads for what they don't want to notice.  Aunt Mary (Peck's Wife), and Li'l Bit's mother, played by Megan O'Connell, blame Li'l Bit for Peck's actions. Li'l Bit is supported by the Chorus Members, O'Connell, Jamie Em Johnson, and Joe Goodall. Johnson and Goodall play a variety of characters as well.  Goodall plays a high school senior with whom Li'l Bit finds she too may fall prey to the desire for a younger person. Goodall also plays other characters from a High School jock and geek, to a waiter who disdains Peck for letting Li'l Bit get drunk. Jamie Em Johnson plays Li'l Bit's lascivious grandma who lectures her on the pain of pre-marital sex, as well as a high school snob and geek.

The Chorus members have the responsibility of delineating their characters as much as Li'l Bit must distinguish her ages throughout the performance. The set, by Kristofer Eitrheim demonstrated the image of life as a road. With road signs that weren't quite right, in that their shape did not match the words typically seen on the signs.  The lighting, also by Eitrheim helped to seclude the story to Li'l bit's memories and keep the audience focused on where the story was going, even during brief scene changes.

The costumes by Dianne Dye and Corinne Johnson reflected the periods of the play, and helped to tell the story through the periods. Resources and talkbacks were available for all of the performances of "How I Learned to Drive."  The production had the challenge of reaching the audience without offending them, succeeded in telling the story of a survival from child molestation.  It increased the awareness of the audience and challenged them to stop ignoring the problem if they would ever come across such a situation.  Theatre is often a mirror to society, and this production challenges the society to help the victims and perpetrators, and to be aware of the problem of molestation.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Talk Backs offer Responses to "How I Learned to Drive"

After each performance of "How I Learned to Drive", talk backs were arranged so the audience could speak to psychologist Stephen Tendall from the SAU Counseling Center, Paula Jolly, the dramaturgy of "How I Learned to Drive," as well as the cast, and director Dr. Corinne Johnson.  Many patrons and cast members explained that this offered different perspectives on the production, and enabled the production team to be a sounding board for audience questions and concerns.
When asked why perform a play such as "How I Learned to Drive" at a Catholic University, Johnson responded, "Because we are a Catholic University, we must support a show like this. It is our responsibility."

The box office also shared in the responsibility in the marketing of "Drive" patrons. Director of Galvin Marketing, Eileen Eitrheim explained that season ticket holders don't always know what the show is about when they come to see a series event such as a main stage production. She explained that the box office notified the season ticket holders to explain the content of the production. Another precaution Eitrheim took was a sign that matched the message on all "How I Learned to Drive" posters, "This play deals with issues of family dysfunctionality and child molestation - it is not appropriate for children." Eitrheim explained that she felt this sign and other warnings like it did not diminish the reaction to the comedy of the piece, but served as a reminder for parents with children, and a warning for people uncomfortable with such topics. Though the potential to offend patrons was present, Eitrheim has not received one complaint yet. She explained the positive effect the production had, "Everyone I've talked to said they felt it was an excellent production. It generated a lot of discussion in classrooms, students having discussions, and people talking about it at lunch."

Through the discussions offered in the talk backs, and the precautions taken by the Galvin Box Office, St. Ambrose University can be proud of the responsibility, awareness, and respect that this production of "How I Learned to Drive" gave to the community.
............................................

AUDITIONS APPROACHING: Directing Class One-Act Plays

Dr. Corinne Johnson's acting class consists of four directors: Dan Hale, Lou Hare, Jamie Johnson, and Megan O'Connell. The student directors will choose a one-act play and cast it through auditions that are approaching. The auditions will consist of cold readings the directors will select from their plays. The auditions are located in the Studio Theatre of Galvin.  The audition date is:

Monday, March 25th.
Be aware of the audition time posted on the callboard and throughout campus.

The performances of the one act plays will be on Sunday, May 5th, and Tuesday, May 7th.  Both performances will begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information about auditions or the performances, contact Dr. Corinne Johnson at (563) 333-6427.


*********** Freshmen Spotlight ***********

Full Name: Anthony James Seward
Hometown:  Bettendorf, IA
Major: Music / Music Education
Why did you come to SAU?  I had worked with some of the staff members and had gotten to know the students.  I was very impressed with what I saw and knew Ambrose was the place for me.
Favorite Previous Productions:  I enjoyed Rhythm Ranch a lot.  The people were fun to work with and the show, although corny, was a load of fun.
Favorite Experience at SAU: SAU has been a whole bunch of great experiences, but if I have to pick a favorite, it would have to be meeting some of my best friends ever, and continuing to meet new people.
Latest Project:  I am working on arranging some music for STAMVOJA and Five Deep.  I am also working on some pieces for band.  I am almost busy enough to stay out of trouble. Almost.
Favorite Actor/Actress: My favorite actor would have to be Jack Nicholson, not only because of his striking resemblance to Mr. Mike Kennedy, but because of his great screen presence.
Dream Job: My dream job would be to teach a high school choir or band and influence my students to take up the wonderful career of music, like my band director did for me.
Favorite Quote:  "It amazes me how all of the knowledge in every book, library, and computer can fit into a single drop of water, wait, did I say water?  I meant super concentrated brain juice." - Jack Handey

~~~~~  Senior Salute ~~~~~
Full Name: John Busch Bowser
Birthdate: 2/1/80
Hometown: Van Dyne, Wisconsin
Major: Marketing
Minor: English
Date of Graduation: May, 2002
SAU Theatre Experience: James and the Giant Peach (James), A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Gemini Twin), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Mr. Matthews), and New York Actor.
Dream Project: I would like to write a play with Bruce McCullough or Mark McKinny (from "The Kids in the Hall"), or work with them on anything.
Favorite actor: Keaneu Reeves
What will you miss most when you graduate? I will miss the people, and the opportunity for cultural growth that is presented in college through theatre and other things.  I'll miss everyone in the theatre department.
Latest Project: John is playing Hal in Lou Hare's Directing Class Scene from "Proof".

*******************************************

Jeff Coussens: Fighting With Swords

The Spring production of "MacBeth" brings more than "Double, double toil and trouble."  Director Mike Kennedy invited fight choreographer to join the production team for Shakespeare's ambitious tragedy.

Jeff Coussens is from Moline, IL, and went to Augustana as an undergraduate.   He went to Indiana University for graduate school. "I became interested in fight choreography as a graduate student," Coussens said. "I've been studying combat for 30 years now."  Coussens is now the Director of the Theatre Arts Program at Augustana. He teaches acting and directing courses, and directs at the college.

Coussens is also certified through the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) in several areas of combat. The SAFD accredited Coussens with hand to hand combat, rapier/dagger, and the broadsword. The fighting cast of "MacBeth" are utilizing broadswords to reflect the period.  Coussens explained that broadswords are different from lighter weapons such as rapiers, because they are larger and heavier. The broadswords this production will use are about four pounds each, and requires two handed fighting. "The broadsword is a cutting and chopping weapon. There is no finesse involved," Coussens explained. "Whoever is bigger and stronger wins."

Coussens has choreographed fighting on many Shakespearean productions. He worked on SAU's last production of "Romeo and Juliet" as well as other productions of "MacBeth." So far, the training sessions with the cast of "MacBeth" have not included the actual broadswords. Coussens explained that the emphasis in the beginning of training is learning the footwork, the defensive positions, and the distance between the fighters.

Coussens explained if anyone is interested in learning more about fight choreography there are many books available on the subject, and the Society for American Fight Directors has a website: www.safd.org.

Come see Shakespeare's "MacBeth!" The production will be in Allaert Auditorium Thursday, April 11th- through April 13th, at 7:30 p.m.
-------------------------------------

Galvin Awards Coming Up Soon!

It's better than the Oscars, more interesting than the Golden Globes... It is the St. Ambrose Theatre Department annual awards night where Galvins are given for foibles, quotes, and funny stories of the year.

The callboard will shortly announce where the Galvins will take place this year.  Keep the date ready in your calendar:

GALVINS: Saturday, May 4th
More information will be provided in the next newsletter! Just be ready for a great party on Saturday May 4th!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WE WANT YOU!

Or your production ideas!  Have a play you've always wanted SAU to produce?  Now is your chance!  Contact our Newsletter e-mail address with any ideas you would like to suggest to the callboard. E-mail your ideas to: SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com

We have several slots to fill, and we would love to hear your suggestions!

///////////////////////////////////////

Summer Theatre Plans?

Let the SAU Theatre Department Newsletter know!  E-mail us at SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com.

For instance, Dr. Corinne Johnson will be directing "Getting Momma Married" at Circa '21 Dinner Theatre Playhouse this summer. Also appearing in the production is Michael Kennedy.It's sure to be a great show! Come support some SAU Theatre Faculty and have a great time at Circa '21!

Return to Theatre Department Home