Crimson Masque shines in the spotlight

By: Kyle Christensen
Features Editor

The 2006-2007 Crimson Masque season has been announced, with a mix of drama, satire, and Shakespearean recitals to keep theatre patrons captivated the entire year-round.

Open auditions have just been completed for “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Monmouth’s first production, which will hit the stage on October 26-29. Directed by Douglas Rankin, professor and director of theatre, this Pulitzer Prize-winning work, from acclaimed playwright Tennesse Williams, explores themes of madness, sexual deviance and working- class instability, and is sure to be an exhilarating undertaking for the big debut.

David Auburn’s “Proof,” another Pulitzer Prize-winning effort, is the first play directed by new theatre professor Janeve West. West says she chose this specific show after being asked to attempt something contemporary and believes that, “It’s a beautiful production... It tackles a wide array of topics. The characters are all searching for their own identity.” Recently adapted for the screen in 2005, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Sir Anthony Hopkins, “Proof” will have its audiences shedding a tear from November 16-19.

In early December and leading into early March, two student-directed full-length programs will provide some hands-on experiences for a pair of CATA majors. On December 1 and 2, senior Gregory Malak will bring “Holiday Mishaps,” an assortment of vignettes highlighting the holiday season in an irreverent fashion. On March 1-4, senior Michelle Anstett, along with William Wallace, will showcase a selection of “Scenes from Shakespeare” as part of her final independent study project.

Two productions with intermingling running dates will be featured next in the line-up. On April 18, 20 and 21, “Woycezk,” a German play “about a man driven to murder and what drives a human to a violent act,” states its director, West, will give Crimson Masque affiliates a taste of something a bit different. Senior Leanna Wilson, while mentored by West, will present “The Blue Room,” a provocative look into human hormonal impulses and desires in our modern times, on April 19, 20, and 21.

The season will conclude on May 3 and 4, with the annual “Directing Class One-Acts,” which serves as the final project for those enrolled in the CATA 377-Principles of Stage Directing course.

Tickets may be ordered in advance at http://department.monm.edu/cata/theater/2006-2007.htm. A touring productin of “Moliere Than Thou” will also be shown on September 27, free of charge to the public.