One of the true delights of being an Examiner.com Fine Arts Writer for the Cleveland area is finding little gems of entertainment outside of the fabulous Playhouse Square theater complex. So it was on January 27 when I traveled with my sons to watch the production of “Fair Ophelia” that was put on by the Lake Erie College of Fine Arts students after a kind invitation from one of the stars.
We are all well aware of the story of Ophelia, the femme fatale of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. So how many ways can this tragic story be told in different and original forms? As it turns out, there are quite a few. The seven member ensemble cast consisting of Hilary Barnett, Jessica Drake, Joe Fath, Christine Greenslade, Elaine Mesaros, Brandon Stroud and Matt Theisen brought forth their wide range of talents to the stage giving a varied and unique take on this wonderfully complex tragic figure.
On a quite spare stage, the use of dance, song, classical recitation, echo poem, light comedy and dramatic finale gave the audience a potpourri of emotions to sort through as the performance unveiled. Of special note was the theatrical use of multi media images (both stills and movies) that were projected on an uneven draping of sheets suspended from above the stage. As well, the choices for background sound and music was done with tremendous forethought and projected cleanly throughout the performance.
If one were to ask me for a choice of best tableau, it would be hard to decide. Each theatrical arrangement could easily stand on its own merit depending on your particular likes or dislikes. Since I lean more towards the comedic form, I would choose “The Movie Theatre Scene” where fair Ophelia and Hamlet are embroiled in their famous break-up much to the chagrin and anguish of the movie patrons seated around them. It was masterfully underplayed by the entire cast which gave a true authenticity to it. Of special note also was Christine Greenslade’s original dance choreography to a world music instrumental that fit nicely in the evening’s proceedings.
Lending help behind the scenes were: Jerry C. Jaffe, Director; Julie Harter, Technical Director; Michael Breeze, Lighting Design; Brandon Stroud, Multimedia Art Creation; Richard Keay, Light Board Operator; Rebecca Sibinga, Sound Board and Projections Operator; Ray Beach, Shaggy and Brian Schweikert, Backstage Help; Christine Greenslade, Original Dance Choreographer; Elaine Mesaros, Period Dance Choreographer; Matt Theisen, Fight Scene Choreographer and Steven Gutierrez, Multimedia Advisor.
Therefore, I would suggest that if you are “in the neighborhood” when this talented school hosts yet another performance that you take the time to stop by and catch these rising stars.
Future Offerings of Lake Erie College of Fine Arts are:
Lunchtime Fine Arts Events
Light lunch buffet is served at 11:30 a.m.
Performances start at 12:00 noon
February 9 and 10
“Breaking Forth Wall”
A Student Show of Improvisation
February 23 and 24
“Bela Lugosi: There Are Such Things”
By Steven McNicoll and Mark Mcdonnell
Directed by Matt Theisen
April 27
“Our Divine Comedy” (inspired by Alighieri)
A Presentation by IT 411 Students and Dr. Paula Basile
Evening Theatre
March 23 and 24
7:30 p.m.
March 25
2:00 p.m.
Short Play Festival
A Presentation of Six Ten Minute Plays
Prepared by Students from the Directors Class
April 19, 20 and 21
7:30 p.m.
April 22
2:00 p.m.
“Are You Sure?”
By Sam Bobrick
Directed by Jerry Jaffe
Additional Events
April 12
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
BFA Art Exhibition
May 3 and 4
4:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Spring Dance Concert
Kailei Fields, Stephanie Kilper and Maggie Runyon
May 3
7:30 p.m.
Opening Reception at 6:00 p.m.
Art and IMDAT Student Exhibition
May 6
4:00 p.m.
Spring Musical Arts Concert
Morley Music Building
All events are FREE and take place in Royce Hall for the Fine and Performing Arts (unless otherwise indicated)
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