1988 Miracle Yearbook

1 Two Gentlemen of Parents' weekend highlighted by Verona The spring play left audiences in fits of laughter. A 1920's-clad cast spoke in Old English vernacular melodramatically--a strange but hi- lariously funny combination. As Lori Spiegel said, "It was off-the - wall; that's what made it so good!" Melodramatic acting, not to men- tion some bizarre costumes, was a new approach to Shakespeare on the Cedarville stage. An interview with Mrs. Merchant revealed that while at college "students, espe- cially English and communication majors,should be exposed to new "It Was OffThe Wall; That's What Made It Good." things, especially controversial things in the theatre world." Melo- drama and Shakespeare are defi- nitely a controversial combination but is substantiated by its humor and its superficial portrayal ofchar- acters, which emphasizes their su- perficial lifestyle. Under the direction ofDiane Mer- chant, Shakespeare's Two Gentle- men of Verona transformed the stage of Alford Auditorium into an Italian Roaring 20's. Changing the 17th Century Shakespeare play to a 1920's rendition was difficult and quite an undertaking. Merchant thought the transition a justifiable parallel, "especially the attitudes about romantic love and material- ism." But the well-accepting audi- ence made it worth the work. The Duke contemplated the happeningsgo- ing on around him. Phil Chapman played His Highness, the Duke of Milan. Unknown to the others, Valentine eaves- dropped on the scenes ofthe moment.Gary Clemmer played his character well through his expressiveness and hand-motions. The Hostess of the Inn and Sylvia's atten- dant,Ursula,gossiped about recent happen- ings. The hostess was played by Ruth Mar graff and Sylvia's attendant was played by Sharon Van Dommelen.