Fans of University Theater were met with a spectacular performance from this year’s season-opening production, Philadelphia Story.
Philadelphia Story, previously a movie starring Katherine Hepburn, is the tale of young Tracy’s adventure to find true love. From her snobby fiancé , to her first husband, to her love affair, the play takes the audience through Tracy’s struggle to reach happiness.
Allison Bergman, assistant director of University Theatre , said that the play was chosen to fit into the yearlong theme of “See it on Stage.”
“We were looking for a fitting comedy, and John McIlwee [the director of University Theatre ], has a particular interest in Katherine Hepburn’s work,” Bergman said. “It seemed like a fun challenge for our students, too.”
Megan Bridges, a junior in international studies, played the role of May. She said the play was also picked to satisfy the taste of the older audience members.
“I believe this show is more of a nod to our season pass holders who tend to be of a more classical taste in theatre ,” Bridges said. “However, it is a show that even us lowly students can enjoy.”
Brett Williams, a junior in zoology, played the leading role of Tracy Lord. She said that she decided to be in this play because it would be a different role than normal for her.
“I knew this would be a very different role for me considering I played a little kid in Urinetown ,” Williams said.
Williams, who is also the recipient of the 2010-2011 ARTS N.C . State Theatre Performing Artist Award, said that this play, while based in the early twentieth century, still has relevant themes.
“Though some of the issues in the show are no longer entirely relevant, the basic issues regarding family and relationships and doing the right thing still ring true today,” Williams said.
Bergman said that the hardest challenge for the actors was adapting to the specific style of comedy present in the production.
“Mastering this style of comedy is the toughest challenge for the actors,” Bergman said. “It’s of a period and a society that is most likely out of their experience.”
According to Bridges, the show was successful due to the experience of the actors.
“This cast is mostly made up of seasoned actors who have a good feel for the stage and new ones who have taken on the task with ease and class,” Bridges said.
Lauren Caddick , a sophomore in art and design, attended the show on Wednesday night. Overall, she said she was pleased with the show.
“The film version of Philadelphia Story is my favorite movie,” Caddick said. “You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who can beat Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart, but I can definitely say that University Theatre , without a doubt, gave them a run for their money.”
Caddick said that she was mostly pleased with the personalization the actors added to the play.
“The actors added their own unique spin to the characters that I know so well, and I found myself laughing through the entire show,” Caddick said.
Rhonda Lemon, a junior in mechanical engineering, was the assistant stage manager. She said that she thinks the show can bring together the student body.
“This show will benefit the student body as it can bring together students to share a laugh and enjoy a beautiful show,” Lemon said.
Anna Rains, a senior in plant biology, was the stage manager. She said events like these help contribute to a well-rounded college experience.
“Our productions bring a different level of entertainment to the student body,” Rains said. “We want to make the college experience as well-rounded as possible.”
Bergman said that she thinks events like these are of great benefit to all kinds of students.
“It’s the place a student really gets to stretch out of their normal college experience,” Bergman said. “There are so many students that learn by doing when they are involved at University Theatre.”
Caddick said that this show is consistent with University Theatre’s caliber of productions.
“I am always impressed with University Theatre’s productions and this was no exception,” Caddick said. “It would be a shame for anyone to miss this and I wish it were running for two weekends so that I could see it again.”
