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This computer-generated scene rendering by Julie Shelton shows the stage of “The Venetian Twins,” which runs through March 5 in Bartlett Theatre at SUNY Fredonia.
Performances:
Matt Nersinger, right, plays two characters--twin brothers--in SUNY Fredonia's "The Venetian Twins." |
The current production of “The Venetian Twins” at SUNY Fredonia offers its own unique take on a work considered to be a commedia dell’arte classic. Helping to shape the production are theatre majors Julie Shelton and Matthew Nersinger.
Shelton serves as the scene designer while Nersinger is an actor playing Zannetto and Tonino, the twins of the title.
The Department of Theatre and Dance production opens Feb. 25 and runs through March 5 in Bartlett Theatre at Rockefeller Arts Center as part of the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series. It is based on Ranjit Bolt’s contemporary translation of Carlo Goldoni’s 18th century play.
The task of designing the sets and creating the Renaissance-era Italy look fell in part to Shelton. While she described herself as “a stage manager at heart,” she found it a fun and interesting challenge to “put on the designer hat.”
Director James P. Ivey, professor of performance, praised the vision Shelton has brought to the Mainstage production.
“Her work has taken a very interesting approach to creating an environment for the play,” he said.
Helping to set the scene are costume designer Nicole Lax and lighting designer Jen Carlson. The Mainstage production adds some twists of its own, courtesy of Ivey, who studied the commedia form in Italy while on sabbatical in 2006.
“He gave us a ton of images and ideas to work off and that helped immensely in our progression with the play,” Nersinger said of the director. “His creative insight, combined with his dedication, has been an educational and inspiring journey for all of us.”
Among the unique aspects of the Mainstage production is the manner in which sound effects will be handled. Instead of having a person operating a sound effects board backstage, there will be a character onstage named “SFX” or “Sound Effects.” That character will have a table with props and will run about the stage making the necessary sound effects for the show.
“It was difficult getting used to because it was hard not to break character when certain sounds – like a whoopee cushion – would suddenly go off,” Nersinger said.
Both Nersinger and Shelton praised the cast and crew for their hard work, devotion and “exceptional talent and energy.” About 40 students are involved in the production.
“I think we have a very strong department overall that puts on high quality productions,” Shelton said.
However, she thinks this production is a bit different with its emphasis on comedy and improvisation.
“The story is fun and keeps you interested,” Shelton said, “and of course there are surprises and twists that will keep the audience laughing.”
Many laughs come courtesy of Nersinger, who has roles that require him to play two distinctly different characters that happen to look identical to one another.
“Having to change facially and physically from one brother to the next is probably the biggest challenge, because there is not costume change. The brothers have two very different personalities and movements,” he said.
Ivey said Nersinger “has truly had a challenging time with this play.”
“He plays one of the twins, leaves the stage and immediately reenters as the other twin. It is a task that any actor can embrace with fear and relish,” he said.
Performance dates and time are Friday, Feb. 25 and Saturday Feb. 26 at 8 p.m.; Sunday Feb 27 at 2 p.m.; and Thursday, March 3 through Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m.
“The Venetian Twins” is sponsored by Niebel Realty as part of the Lake Shore Savings Season.
Tickets are available through the SUNY Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center, by phone at 716-673-3501 (1-866-441-4928) or online at www.fredonia.edu/tickets.
