Brigham Young University’s Department of Theatre and Media Arts will present the classic comedy “The Servant of Two Masters’” in the Pardoe Theatre Wednesday, March 20 through Friday, April 5, including matinee performances on Saturdays.
Tickets are $15, with $2 discounts available to BYU alumni and senior citizens and $4 discounts for students or individuals with a BYU ID. For tickets, visit the Fine Arts Ticket Office, (801) 422-4322 or byuarts.com/tickets. There will be no performances Sundays or Mondays. The performance Thursday, March 28, will offer American Sign Language interpretation.
“The Servant of Two Masters,” written by Carlo Goldoni in 1743, is considered to be a masterpiece of thecommedia dell’arteform. The form relies heavily on stock characters and improvisation based on sketches or scenarios. In 2011 the play was adapted and updated by Richard Bean to “One Man, Two Guvnors,” a critically acclaimed and award-winning London and Broadway production that brought renewed interest to the source material.
Directed by Stephani Breinholt, mayhem and misadventure ensue in this madcap comedy of intrigue, disguise and the love of people — and of food. The streets of Venice bustle with the hysterical adventures of a voracious and bumbling servant, two sets of misplaced lovers and a collection of farcical characters apt to make a confusing situation even worse.
"As I’ve spent time with Truffaldino and the other characters in this play, I’ve been reminded that there are many choices, many 'masters' to serve," said Breinholt. "It is up to us to choose to serve the best 'master.' The choice might bring conflict, we might be stretched thin, we might find love, laughter or new friendships. Whatever it brings, it is ultimately our choice."
The production is also featured in 4th Wall, a dramaturgy project run by the Theatre and Media Arts Department. The project works to break down the supposed wall separating the audience from the actors through insights from the rehearsal room, interesting historical information, interviews with the production team and more. For more information about 4th Wall, visit 4thwalldramaturgy.byu.edu.
The cast features Cameron Asay as Pantalone, Joshua Cooper as Doctor Lombardi, Kassandra Haddoc as Clarice, Ryan Spille as Silvio, Melanie Gardner as Beatrice, Magarin Hobson as Florindo, Spencer Hunsicker as Truffaldino, Heather McDonald as Smeraldina, and Jordan Nicholes, Gunnar Thordenson, Heidi Jensen, Cosette Hatch, Jasmine Fullmer and Jenna Hawkis in the ensemble.
The design and technical crew also includes Crysta Powell, production stage manager; Eric Fielding, scenic designer; Lyndi Mecham, costume designer; Michael Krazeck, lighting designer; Mallory Mackay; Michelle Ohumukini, sound designer; Aileen McIntosh, production designer; and Janine Sobeck, dramaturg.
For more information, contact Ken Crossley at (801) 422-9348 or ken_crossley@byu.edu.
Writer: Preston Wittwer
