The Santa Rosa Junior College’s spring Theater productions stand on opposite sides of the spectrum this year.
“The Cherry Orchard” is the last play written by Russian poet Anton Chekhov before his death. Taking place during the twilight years of the Russian Tsars, it focuses on a family of aristocrats whose ancestral home is about to be auctioned off to pay their debts. Equal parts drama and comedy, it showcases Chekhov’s skill at writing relationships and interactions between characters, as well as providing commentary on how we as a people adapt – or fail to adapt – to a constantly changing world.
While auditions for the supporting characters finished Jan. 17, the lead actors were cast in November due to the sheer complexities of their interactions. Directed by Leslie McCauley, this production features lights, sets, makeup and an original score all produced by students. Shows are March 7-16.
“Spamalot,” the musical adaptation of the absurdist masterpiece “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” has been a smash hit on two continents with shows still airing in London. The Santa Rosa Theatre Arts Department is proud to have Reed Martin, an alumni of the famed Reduced Shakespeare Company and master of physical comedy, direct this side-splitting song and dance send-off of Arthurian Legend here at SRJC. The production features sets from the same design team as “Les Misérables” last year.
Shows are April 25–27, and again from May 1–3. There will also be two extra performances on April 30 and May 4.
On May 16, there will be an advanced acting showcase featuring single scenes performed by students. These students studied acting from three periods throughout history, and then chose a scene from each period to perform. The result is a variety of single scenes from throughout history, covering genres from comedy, tragedy, drama and more. The showcase will have two viewings at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Performances at the theater will be shorter this semester, with two plays airing for two weeks each. While department chair Laura Downing-Lee apologized for this and stated it was only temporary, she also had a reason: the theatre arts department had to make room for the music department, which will be hosting live concerts this year performed by music students for both their mid-terms and finals.
Called Santa Rosa Junior College’s “best-kept secret,” these concerts will feature each student putting on a concert in a different field of music. The mid-term concert is from March 24-29, and the finals will be on May 13-16, with a possible performance on May 17. Tickets will be about $10, although student discounts are available. More information can be found in the music department catalog.
The Dance Department gets its own chance to shine in its annual performance. This year features a wide variety of dance ranging from ballet to hip-hop, with choreography developed by students and faculty, with a few guest artists.
The theme for this year’s show is dreamscapes, which all choreographers took their inspiration from. Performances start on Mother’s Day weekend, May 9-11, for one week only.
For those who want to participate in the theater experience, the Theatre Arts Department is looking for crews to work backstage. Crews can work in the wardrobe, helping actors put on costumes, or as one of the “running crew,” which involves moving props and set pieces on and off set and helping with placement and operation of the lighting. Crews will receive class units.
Interested parties should ask for Laura Downing-Lee or Maryanne Scozzari at the Burbank Auditorium.
