School of Scandal closes Eastern’s theatre season
Eastern Utah Theatre professors are thrilled to present Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s sentimental comedy, The School for Scandal adapted for contemporary audiences by Lewis John Carlino. This oft produced 18th century play is both a popular comedy and a superb example English drama of the time.
Eastern Utah Theatre professors are thrilled to present Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s sentimental comedy, The School for Scandal adapted for contemporary audiences by Lewis John Carlino. This oft produced 18th century play is both a popular comedy and a superb example English drama of the time.
The play satirizes the social conventions and norms of the times and reaffirms middle class morality: the virtuous are rewarded and the wicked punished. Students in USU Eastern’s understanding theatre class are required to read the play so we thought it was time to present it,” said Dr. Corey Ewan, director. “This play really kind of scares me. The production style is very different from what I am used to. I have to move out of my comfort zone and trust that I can do the play justice and make it a successful production for the student actor’s in the play and the community as well”.
The School for Scandal tells the story of Sir Peter Teazle, a middle aged, wealthy bachelor, who has recently married a pretty young lady from the country. Suddenly thrust into London’s high society, the young and frivolous Lady Teazle finds herself a willing member of a vicious, scandal-mongering circle who pass their time maligning friend, foe and family alike.
The leader of this group is Lady Sneerwell who is in love with the young, romantic, self-indulgent Charles Surface is trying to come between him and Maria, Sir Peter’s ward. Joseph Surface, Charles’ villainous older brother, has plans for Maria, or rather her fortune and so joins Lady Sneerwell in her campaign of slander and deception in an attempt to achieve his own aims. Add to this, Sir Oliver Surface, Charles’ and Joseph’s wealthy uncle whom they have not seen since they were small children; suddenly arrived from India who devises a test to determine their true character.
Other intrigues, plots and sub-plots abound until the play’s end. A complicated story to be sure and one filled with witty dialogue and humorous situations, Ewan quipped.
The cast is made up of students seen in previous productions and a few new faces. They are eager and excited to bring this classic Late-Restoration Comedy to the Geary Theatre stage.
Dates for the production are March 29 through April 7, with Sunday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 4 dark (no show). Curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Come and join us for Eastern Utah’s premiere of The School for Scandal and see if you are a gossip or a victim of the “envenomed tongue of slander,” Ewan said. Anyone who has been to high school will recognize these supposed upright and pious characters.
