As a liberal arts college, Christopher Newport University (CNU) has a large array of spaces for students to blossom, shaping their creativity, talents and minds. One of the most notable ways in which students can do this is through the beauty of theater. CNU has put on an assortment of performances.
This weekend, Oct. 5 marks the opening of the most recent theatrical performance “Arms and the Man” by George Bernard Shaw and directed by Denise Gillman.
“Arms and the Man” begins in the Fall of 1885 during the Serbo-Bulgarian war, this comedic and charming tale is a far cry from the typical romanticised war performance.
Senior Olivia Hargest takes the lead as Raina, a young Bulgarian girl whom we follow through this entrancing tale of war and love told with an air of satire and romanticism.
The story that is told is one that rivals that of Shakespeare as far as English playwrights are concerned, telling a riveting and captivating tale that contrasts the brutality of war and the romanticism and beauty of love in a time where all feels lost.
Sophomore Brett Conway takes the stage as Sergious Saranoff, the reckless hero that clashes with the free flowing optimistic romanticism of Raina and the realism and grounded ideals of Captain Bluntschli, played by senior Anthony Hearn.
The play shows the audience a brilliant juxtaposition of the idealistic heroes we place upon pedestals in desperate attempts to grasp at a faux sense of hope and security and that of a problematic complex individual, the true person that you find beneath the ribbons of honor and the metals of victory.
Conway stated in an interview with The Captain’s Log when asked what he wanted to share about the show, “It’s a lot of big personalities having a lot of really big fun and I think that really shines through with our production and really makes it something extremely enjoyable for an audience to observe.”
The actors are not the only stars that shine within this performance. Izzy Maxfield, a Junior and the assistant stage manager stated in an interview, “It’s an amazing show, our actors have put in a lot of work and they are all super funny and very talented and I am excited to see the fruits of their labor. You should come see their show.”
What is not seen from the cozy seats of the Ferguson Center of the Arts within the walls of the Peebles Theater as the velvet curtains are lifted is the people behind the scenes, the many students and teachers that helped make this production possible.
Many talented students such as Maxfield poured their blood, sweat and tears into the performances behind the scenes. From lighting to costumes to stage managing every single role whether on stage or behind the curtain is imperative to the telling of this beautiful comedic story.
Seniors Eleanor Wallace and Hargest expressed the joys they had while bringing this story to life.
“The rehearsal process has been extremely joyous and liberating and I hope the audience can appreciate our efforts,” said Wallace.
The shining talent of every person involved with this story glimmers throughout each and every second that goes by as you watch this encapsulating tale. It is certainly something you will not want to miss.
Within the lobby of the Peebles Theater students can get their free tickets to witness the comedic performance on Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. or from Oct. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. accompanied with a ASL interpreter on the 10 so everyone can enjoy this comical performance and the joy these students have to share.
