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West
Windsor, N.J. -
Blend comedy, romance, deception and a touch of bawdy, circa
1518, and it all adds up to a surprisingly contemporary good
time when Theatre students at Mercer County Community College
present "Mandragola" as the first of two
fall productions. The Renaissance comedy will be performed
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday,
Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. at Mercer's Studio Theatre, located next
to Kelsey Theatre on the
West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.
Set in Italy, "Mandragola" is a tale of lust, love,
and deceit populated with rich characters: a young gallant
with seduction on his mind, an old man and his young wife,
a schemer, an able assistant, an unscrupulous priest, and
a mother who wants grandchildren. Everyone is guided by ulterior
motives and their baser instincts - money, comfort and sex!
And they'll help one another if there's something in it for
them.
The colorful student cast includes Nicholas Andrejco of Hamilton,
Zulekia Dockery of Hamilton, Rachel Garretson of East Windsor,
Parker Harris of Lawrenceville, Ned Inacone of Princeton Junction,
Keegan McDonald of Princeton, Becky Moon of Hamilton, and
Megan Sherow of Millstone. MCCC's Theatre and Dance Program
is coordinated by Associate Professor Jody Person.
Entertainment
Technology (EnTech)
student Fredy A. Barrientos is the sound designer and alumnus
David Walter is the lighting designer under the direction
of Program Coordinator Bob Terrano.
Stage manager is alumna Jill Donchak. Additionally, assisting
with lighting and sound will be Sergio Fernandez, Jennifer
Diaz and Adrian Edwards.
According to the show's director, Lou J. Stalsworth of Allentown,
"Mandragola" is a timeless tale that could have
been written last week, but in fact was penned by Niccolo
Machiavelli some 500 years ago. The director brings considerable
enthusiasm to the production, noting that the play is one
of his all-time favorites. "It's wicked, bawdy and, despite
being written some 500 years ago, is incredibly contemporary.
It's an example of no matter how much things change, nothing
really changes at all. It's Machiavelli at his best. Funny,
funny, funny."
Stalsworth
points out that the show's language, politics and geography
are somewhat foreign to his young cast. "Places, people
and politics of the time are referenced throughout the script
and require cast members to do their homework. It's a great
learning experience for Mercer's drama students and a chance
for them to delve deep to make the show understandable and
enjoyable for modern audiences."
Stalsworth
is planning to enjoy the experience too. "I've wanted
to direct this show for years, and now that I've got the chance,
I intend to make the best of it. I invite all theater fans
to come have a laugh with us."
Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students
and children. Free parking is available next to Kelsey Theatre.
Tickets are available by calling the Kelsey Theatre Box office
at 609-570-3333 or can be ordered online here.
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