Page 40 - YB1981

And Social Comment: LA RONDE Bawdy, Humor, Double Entendres When people think back on 1981, WMC's Theatre department hopes that they remember "La Ronde," not just as a bawdy and entertaining play, but also as a powerful social commentary on nineteenth centruy Vienna-and twenti- eth century America. Written in 1896 by Arthur Schnitzler, "La Ronde" caused quite a scandal with its initial appear- ance in 1921, but the actions which caused such an uproar then merely pro yoked laughter from the audiences of WMC. Under the direction of Dr. Ken Gar- garo, the predominantly young cast vivo idly portrayed the hypocrisy of Victori· an morals as the men and women of all classes of Viennese society went search- ing for happiness and fulfillment through sexual encounters. Although the characters received physical plea- sure in their misdirected search, they did so without developing any true inti· macy or closeness, and without gaining the lasting happiness which they de- sired. The use of period costumes and props supported the actors: illusion of reality by lending to the authenticity of their atmosphere. Musical accompeni- menis (usually of the passionately ryth· mic variety) frequently added to the hu· mar and action during cr~cial moments of a scene. All of these elements came together to create a convincing and en- joyable production. CAST Amy Barnes Pete Weller Janet Collins Jim Ralston Jennifer Gill . Eric Henning Stacey Pfeifer Reed Mortimer Karen Lambert Jeff Reichlin 36