Fools Are Aplenty in This Theatrical Farce
The Roaring Twenties, slamming doors, loose costumes and Paris are all parts of Alma College's theatrical production of "An Absolute Turkey."
The French farce by Georges Feydeau about “fools who seduce and seducers who fool” begins with one man who lusts after his friend's wife. Originally titled "Le Dindon" in French, the comedy has been adapted to titles such as "The Fool," "The French Have a Word for It," or "An Absolute Turkey."
"An Absolute Turkey" is presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 15, 16 and 17 and 3 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Strosacker Theatre of the Remick Heritage Center at Alma College. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and over, and free for Alma College staff, students and youth 18 and under. Call the Heritage Center Box Office at (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
While ridiculous and hilarious, the story reflects the foolish behavior of real life, says Joe Jezewski, director of Alma College Theatre.
“Feydeau strives to present characters with whom we can identify,” says Jezewski. “He then puts them in crazy situations so that we can’t help but laugh at their foolish behavior.
"We have not presented a farce for a few years, so this is a new experience for the students that allows them to broaden their skills as actors,” he says. “We also are setting the play in the 1920s, which requires the actors to adjust their behavior in order to reflect the Parisian style of that time.”
The student actors are enjoying the experience.
"Farce is so cartoonish, so big, and so out of this world," says Tara Bouldrey, Findley, Ohio, junior. "I am learning a lot from this production."
"Once when I was having difficulty with a line, Joe had me tap dance across the stage,” says Okwara Uzoh, Laurel, Maryland, senior. “This is totally different. The era requires you to walk with elegance and present yourself in a fashionable manner.”
Royal Oak junior Amanda Ewing, who plays the character of Mitzi, says, "It is so theatrical. I get to speak in an accent and do stage combat. The biggest challenge is the different style of acting. I am being pushed to try new things and really play around with my character."
Each character has multiple 1920s-era costumes designed by Tina Vivian. Ewing explains she will be wearing a large Swiss bell dress in one scene and later a flowing dress over pants with an intricate pattern.
The set designs also are different. The script requires three entirely different settings, including a bachelor’s lair and a formal sitting room. John Dalziel, scene and lighting designer, has created furniture and sets in the Art Deco style with removable exteriors.
"We will be changing the trim on the sets for each act,” said Dalziel. “The fabric on the furniture also will be changed for each individual setting.”
The performance has adult situations.
Posted: Fri, October 9th, 2009 at 9:22AM
