An evening of mischief with OLRC apprentice program
The Old Lyric Repertory Company (OLRC) announces the opening of its annual apprentice show, “The Mischief Makers,” written by Lowell Swortzell and directed by David Sidwell, apprentice program coordinator for the company.
The show stars Letecia Minharo, Rebecca Haskel and Matthew Perrone as a trio of tricksters, rogues and rascals, and opens July 24 at 2 p.m. Other show dates are July 26 at 4 and 7 p.m. and July 27 at 4 p.m. The production is presented on the Utah State University campus in the Studio Theatre (also known as the Black Box) in the Chase Fine Arts building, room 224. Admission is free. For information call (435) 797-1500.
Sidwell said he is excited to be a part of the apprentice show again this year.
“These young actors are really bright and ready to work,” he said. “It is really fun to see them take big steps in their character development in the play and to see how they handle themselves professionally.”
The OLRC Apprentice Program production is made possible through the generosity of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.
The Apprentice program gives graduating high school seniors the opportunity to work with a professional theatre company, and learn the ins and outs of the business many of them hope to make a career. A typical apprentice day starts in the morning as participants attend classes where they receive information and advice from working theatre professionals. The apprentices spend afternoons and evenings building sets, props and costumes, rehearsing plays and working backstage at the Lyric during performances presented by the OLRC.
The apprentice play is presented this year as storytelling theatre – each character tells his or her own story, but also intertwines with the other characters in the play in a magical and delightful way, Sidwell said. Each of the three actors in the production takes on multiple roles. The main storytellers are a raven, played by Leticia Minharo, a fox played by Matthew Perrone, and a spider played by Rebecca Haskel.
“The Mischief Makers” is a show that all ages will enjoy, the director continued.
“It is really one of those productions that will appeal to almost anyone, young or old,” Sidwell said. “It is billed as a family show, which to some people means ‘kids,’ but these days, children’s theatre is taking leaps and bounds in terms of quality and inclusiveness.”
Sidwell emphasized that while “The Mischief Makers” is very complex and sophisticated, it presents simple stories – anyone would love it, he said.
Tickets for the 2004 OLRC season’s productions of “Moon Over Buffalo,” “Song of Singapore,” “Enchanted April” and “The Hollow,” playing in repertory at the Caine Lyric Theatre (28 W. Center, Logan), are currently available, including the OLRC’s Flex-Pass option.
For a 2004 OLRC brochure, call (435) 797-3046, or for general inquiries call (435) 797-1500. The season also offers special promotions, contests and exclusive deals found on the Web at www.usu.edu/lyric.
The Old Lyric Repertory Company (OLRC) is a program in the department of theatre at Utah State University. The company is a training ground for advanced theatre arts students as well as professionals.
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