Dixie State College Theatre is opening a new show on Monday that I think is definitely worth mentioning. The concept itself is very unique. Student director Jarom Brown has, for the past several months, used improv workshops to develop a completely original story in the style of Comedia del Arte complete with huge cartoon like characters and genuine Comedia del Arte masks. Jarom even wrote the script... sort of. You see the story is the same every night in as there are key pieces of information that the audience needs to receive every time, almost like checkpoints that the actors must stop at, but the actual lines and blocking that are used are almost entirely improvised... every night.
I had to see it for myself....
I popped in on tonights rehearsal and though I missed most of the first act, I was very very impressed with what I saw. The story is absolutely hilarious, and the actors are all astounding. How they come up with that stuff is beyond me. Every one was really in the moment, because they literally did not know what they were going to say, or how they were going to react until right before they said or did anything! So exciting! I mean, I watched a rehearsal! With no costumes, no lights, frequent interruptions by the director, and I was still laughing hysterically.
I really wish I had better words to describe it, but it really is unlike anything I have ever seen, or will ever see again in a long time. All I can do is urge you to come and see it, and bring some friends with you. Because this is a student production at a college that is experiencing budget cuts the funds for marketing are a bit low so we're relying mostly on word of mouth. This really is a rare opportunity to witness some truly unique theatre.
The show opens Monday February 2nd at 7:30pm in the DSC Black Box Theatre located in the Eccles Building and will run until Saturday February 7th. Tickets are only $5.00! Come and show the school that St. George supports new and different types of theatre! The director has given his word that although the script is improvised the actors are under strict instructions to keep everything G rated and trust me this is a show that will actually hold your child's focus for an hour and a half. Tell your friends, and bring the fam! I hope to see you there!
And keep checking www.DSCtheatre.blogspot.com for updates on the college's theatre schedule!
5 comments:
This sounds very cool! Roger and I will definitely try and get there!! Thanks for posting this or I wouldn't have known about it!! :)
Thanks guys! Please spread the word!
Nice blog Travis, I might go to that show. When is it tomorrow?
That sounds ridiculously awesome. I think we might even have a babysitter lined up for that weekend, lucky coincidence! I'll see what I can do to spread the word.
We made it to the free previe night, and we were so glad! My husband, who is extrememly reserved, actually laughed outloud. I loved the Comedia de L'arte style, as well as the improv warm-up at the beginning. Tons of fun!
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