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A Farce to be Reckoned With Two Casts Take on Classic British Comedy By Julia Dupuis 17dupuisj.publications@gmail.com
Starting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 2, Sage Hill will be putting on the first show of The Liar. Featuring a double cast, the show will alternate actors each night around a total of six performances. Directed by theater teacher Tannis Hanson, The Liar, written by Pierre Corneille and adapted by David Ives, is a comedy that follows the story of Dorante, a pathological liar who unwittingly courts and falls for the wrong girl. In a plot filled with witty banter, puns, elaborate tales, misunderstandings and a tangled web of lies—The Liar presents a comedic jaunt through 17th century Paris. In addition to being the first Sage Hill play with a double cast, the set is designed in thrust, a type of seating in which the audience surrounds the stage on three sides. “The classical style allows us to play towards the audience, but still have the chance to design a fitting backdrop,” Hanson said. “A thrust requires our actors to have broader awareness and it gives them more ways that they can play.” Hanson chose the play for its blend of classical and contemporary elements, as well as the freedom it gives her to explore a more comedic realm. “I read [the play] a few years ago and fell in love with the language—classical text but with the contemporary adaptation,” Hanson said. “I loved the idea of the mixing of the two worlds. Everything I’ve done so far at
Sage Hill has been dramatic, so I wanted to do something fun like a satire or a comedy of manners.” Junior Ryan Spataro, playing the lead role of Dorante, embraces the challenge that comes with the complexity of the language. “I’m a good embellisher and a good storyteller, but Dorante just paints a picture with every word in his monologues,” Spataro said. “I’ve really enjoyed going deeper into the text and finding the emphasis that will paint a picture of the scene and bring the extravagant lies to life.” Hanson looks forward to watching this energy and spirit carry through for each of the actors during upcoming rehearsals, especially with her decision to double cast. “We had so many strong actors come out to audition that I knew double-casting was going to be my best option,” Hanson said. “That way, more students would have the opportunity to be on stage and I would get the fun challenge of working with two casts. I’m excited to see them get to live in the world of the play as we add in our period costumes, wigs and whimsical scenic design in our upcoming tech rehearsals.” For the actual performances, Hanson’s main objective is to follow in the spirit of the farce and ensure that everyone has a good time, including those on and off stage. “With the quippy rhyming language, the mistaken identities and the over the top physicality, I hope to accomplish a night of laughter and fun for all involved—the actors, the crew and the audience,” she said.
Volume 17, Issue 3 www.facebook.com/sagehillschool
En Garde. Leads Daniel Levy and Dylan Dickerson stage a fight during a rehearsal. Stage Fright. Senior Lauren Abbott stays in character as she hides behind a fan. Get On Your Mark. Senior leads Julia Blatz and Kate Kelly prepare a scene together. Practice Makes Perfect. Daniel Levy and Kate Kelly rehearse a shared scene. Levy looks on as Kelly reads from a prop. All these photos were taken at one rehearsal with one of the two casts.
Photos By Jenny King