 “Smoking Lesson.” |
The Drake University Theatre Department will conclude performances of “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” and “Smoking Lesson” today.
Performances of the two plays, which represent the senior capstone projects of student directors Abigail Kaufman and Kelsey Hirth, respectively, will be held in Studio 55 of the Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Ave.
The final performance of “Smoking Lesson,” which contains strong language and adult content, will start at 2 p.m., followed by the final performance of “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” at 8 p.m.
Tickets, which are free with reservations, are available at the Drake Fine Arts Center Box Office. Reservations may be made in person or by calling 515-271-3841.
 “The Prisoner of Second Avenue.” |
“The plotline of ‘Smoking Lesson’ is a little bit larger than life,
but it’s really about relationships,” said Hirth, a directing major from
Cross Plains, Wis. “It’s really interesting how the characters
complement each other, but their relationships are not always
appropriate.”
“Smoking Lesson,” written by Julia Jordan, is a drama about three
young girls who spend time underneath a bridge on the Mississippi River,
discussing the violent death of their friend. When a mysterious young
man finds them in their secret place, questions on who was responsible
for the tragedy arise.
Kaufman, a directing major from Kelley, Iowa, said that “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” provides a darkly comic examination of a middle-aged couple’s deteriorating relationship. Written by Neil Simon, the play’s protagonists deal with noisy neighbors, robbery and unemployment.
“This show creates laughter and it’s a good stress reliever,” Kaufman said. “You can always laugh at other people’s misfortunes — schadenfeude is timeless.”
“The plotline of “˜Smoking Lesson’ is a little bit larger than life, but it’s really about relationships,” said Hirth, a directing major from Cross Plains, Wis. “It’s really interesting how the characters complement each other, but their relationships are not always appropriate.”
“Smoking Lesson,” written by Julia Jordan, is a drama about three young girls who spend time underneath a bridge on the Mississippi River, discussing the violent death of their friend. When a mysterious young man finds them in their secret place, questions on who was responsible for the tragedy arise.
Michael Rothmayer, associate professor of theatre, said that the two plays offer unique opportunities and challenges for both production teams.
“As with so much in theatre, Rothmayer said, “the success of these plays depends on creativity and collaboration.”