Want a laugh? Then, come see Vanguard Theatre’s production of Fools by Neil Simon, directed by Ken Zimmerman.
This play, UTM’s first of the year, opened last night at 8 p.m. and will continue tonight at 8 p.m., tomorrow at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., along with next week at the same times. Fools, being the humorous play it is, has a setting and cast of characters that fits the topic of the story, which is about a cursed Russian village. The main character, Leon Tolchinsky, responds to an advertisement in a college journal and accepts a teaching position in this village.
The main antagonist, Gregor Yousekevitch (Count Gregor), is played by senior Communications major John Nicholson. For someone who has been involved with Vanguard Theatre for the past few years, Nicholson is glad to be finally doing a production in the new Fine Arts Building.
“[Being in the new building] is a big relief. [Before, bringing the wardrobe and props] from Gooch to the [Student Life Center] was a challenge, because we literally had to build the set [from the] bottom up. Going to a building where the [wardrobe and props are] already there is a big relief,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson has enjoyed the play thus far and feels that the audience will enjoy it, as well.
“The play is going very well. Fools has very funny acting and simple writing style. It won’t be hard [for people] to understand the play,” Nicholson said.
Even though many in the play are glad to be in the new building, for several students, this is their first play. UTM freshman Jonathan York, who plays Mishkin the Postman, has found being a part of the play rewarding.
“[Being a part of the play] is a little stressful, balancing the college life and such, but it’s coming together quite nicely. We have a great cast,” York said.
For more information and to reserve tickets for Fools, call the Department of Visual and Theatre Arts at 731-881-7400.
