“Scenes and Revelations” runs Oct. 1-5 in the Mago Hunt Theatre. All performances are at 7:30 p.m., except Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For tickets, call 503-943-7287, or visit the Mago Hunt Box Office 11-5p.m., Monday-Friday.
By Melissa Aguilar |
Life rarely goes as expected. The four Longnecker sisters in Elan Garonzik’s “Scenes and Revelations” come to learn that lesson as they wrestle with the death of their parents, failed romances and leaving their home.
Though a play set in 1894, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, may seem worlds away from present-day Oregon, the experience of simultaneously leaving something behind while looking forward to a new future is relatable for anyone.
Director Andrew Golla said the show, “deals with people in a time of transition, and that whole idea of when you’re moving on to the next phase of your life, whether that be going to college, leaving college, or a job or whatever. It’s a beginning and an ending.”
The eldest sister, Helena, played by Tori Dunlap, is only 19 at the time of her parents’ death. Helena is left with the responsibility of deciding how to spend the money the girls’ wealthy English uncle bestows upon them--either to travel to see him, or use it to help her younger sister, the struggling newlywed Rebecca, played by Hope Dorman.
We tend to see people of the 19th century as overly serious, so it is refreshing to see the fun exchanges between characters, particularly in the romance between Dennis, played by Noel Oishi, and spirited Millie Longnecker, played by Emily Clare Biggs. Erin Bell, who plays middle sister Charlotte Longnecker, said being a part of the small production, consisting of only six actors on a minimalistic set, is rewarding.
“You get to go really deep into your character,” Bell said. “And know exactly how they feel about everyone else.”
“Scenes and Revelations” is the drama department’s first play of the semester. Golla says all of this season’s works will explore the theme of being at a crossroads, dealing with the conflicting excitement of a new future with the sadness of leaving a familiar past. Bell said the show reminds us that, “things don’t always go as planned, but they’ll work out somehow, in the end.”
Melissa Aguilar is a reporter for The Beacon. You can reach her at aguilarm16@up.edu.
Correction: In a previous edition of this article, The Beacon reported the character of Rebecca was played by Hope Robinson. The character of Rebecca is played by Hope Dorman. The Beacon regrets this error.
