The Nazareth College department of theatre arts opens its 2009-2010 production season with William Congreve’s The Way of the World, October 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 8:00 p.m. and October 18 and 25, 2:00 p.m., at the newly renovated Nazareth College Arts Center. A celebration of romance and style, The Way of the World was written in England when women were first allowed to perform on stage in the late 17^th century. Tickets for this classic farce are $10 general admission, $9 students (Nazareth College students free with valid ID), and $8 seniors. Nazareth College students and faculty get free tickets with Nazareth ID – call the box office for specifics. To purchase tickets, call 585-389-2170 or visit the Nazareth College Arts Center box office at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Patrons to the production can view the Midnight Oil: Stewart and Calderwood exhibit in the New Fine Arts Gallery at Nazareth College Arts Center before the performance and during intermission.

 

The Way of the World was selected by the department of theatre arts because it is considered one the very best Restoration comedies and every theatre student needs to be exposed to this distinctive style of drama. Nazareth College department of theatre arts is presenting this production authentically with rich period costumes from the early 1700’s and beautifully hand painted drops as well as with actors dancing the minuet and the theatrical interplay between voice and performance unique to Restoration comedy style. The precision, timing and wit are so rigorous in Restoration comedy that it informs all other types of comedic performance.

 

The Way of the World is based on two lovers – Mirabell and Millamant. In order for the lovers to get married and receive Millamant’s full dowry, they must get the blessing of Millamant’s aunt, Lady Wishfort. Wishfort is a bitter woman who hates Mirabell and desires a union between her own nephew, Wilful, and Millamant. Intrigues abound in this delightful period comedy.

 

The Nazareth College production of The Way of the World’s cast includes Adam Adrianopoulos (Fainall), Mirabell (Andy DeRado), Brent Burkhardt (Witwoud), Steve Donsky (Petulant), Joe Maffei (Wilful), Brian Ziemann (Waitwell), Erin Hassett (Servant to Lady Wishfort), Krystina Smith (Coachman/Messenger), Katie LeSuer (Lady Wishfort), Kait Meleski (Mrs. Millamant), Beth Amuso (Mrs. Fainall), Catherine Gudatis (Mrs. Marwood), Amanda Paswaters (Foible), Meg Keenan (Mincing), Lzay Whalen (Peg), and Marlena Gaby-Dater (Betty). The creative team and production staff are led by director Lindsay Reading Korth and include Laura High, Mary Griswold, Beth LaJoie, Yuanting Zhao, Dr. Lorraine Person, Davina Wells, Karla Lyon, Tiffany Everspaugh, Becca Pickett, Claire Donohue, Josh Loucks, Jimmy Dimitar, Katie Murphy, Krista Mahns, Liz Myers, Bre Melino, Philip Schierer, Elizabeth Dorsey, Alexandra Smith, Mary Farmer, Meg Richardson, Cynthis Andreson, Scott Duell and Maureen Higgins.  

 

In her concept statement, The Way of the World director Lindsay Reading Korth stated, “The best manipulator wins. We don’t live in a world where good naturally triumphs over evil, or where love prevails, or where virtue is rewarded financially. Society and nature will not, in and of themselves, protect the weak or even promote the common good. In fact, bad behavior is often rewarded. In order to succeed we must outsmart the bad and stupid alike and each individual must create and follow his own moral dictates. Luckily, it’s all a game or dance – and in the playing/waltzing of it, there is great delight.”

 

The Nazareth College department of theatre arts stages four productions each season. For its 2010 edition, the Princeton Review named Nazareth College 6^th Best College Theater in the nation – up from 9^th Best College Theater in the 2009 edition. Nazareth College earned this distinction prior to the renovation of Callahan Theater based on the quality of the theatre arts program including creative and production teams, actors, technical expertise, set design and costumes. The quality of Nazareth productions will be greatly enhanced by the new proscenium stage, fly system, lighting and other upgrades to the Arts Center.

 

In order to take full advantage of the new fly system in the Callahan Theater, the Nazareth College department of theatre arts is bringing in Mary Griswold of Chicago as guest scenic artist. Griswold’s designs were last seen in Rochester, New York at the Eastman Theatre Opera.