Marywood University to Present Measure for Measure as Its Spring Theatre Production

Marywood University to Present Measure for Measure as Its Spring Theatre Production

SCRANTON, PA (November 11, 2015) — The theatre program of Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance department will present the play Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare as its spring production. The performance will be held on Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m., in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for the Performing Arts on the University’s campus.

The show is being produced and guest-directed by David Zarko. Mr. Zarko adapted the script for nine actors, who collectively portray eighteen characters, while keeping the full plot intact. The play is set in Vienna, and this production will imagine that city during the Bell’ Époque era, when the music was lush, the styles extravagant, and the culture heady and unpredictable.

When the Duke of Vienna mysteriously turns over his government to the puritanical Angelo, the primary concerns of state begin to revolve around moral conduct. Young Claudio, who has gotten his fiancé with child, is sentenced to death as a demonstration of the strict new regime. Claudio’s sister, Isabella, a novitiate of unwavering virtue, is called upon to save her brother.

Erin Sadlack, Ph.D., associate professor in Marywood University’s English department, contributes as dramaturge, and the music program’s Sister Joan McCusker, IHM, has composed a musical setting for one of Shakespeare’s songs. Members of the creative team include Patrick Toomey, technical director and scenic designer; Robert Lozada, lighting designer; Mary Ann Swords-Greene, costume designer; James Langan, sound designer; Conor McGuigan, music director; Janice Tellier, scene painter; Linn McDonald, choreographer; Judy Snyder, production manager; Ryan Houser, stage manager, and Paulette Merchel, Ph.D., interim theatre program director.

The cast includes: Markis Blackwell, Darren Clementina, Kenneth Doyle, Nick Grevera, Amanda Hirschler, Jade Litaker, Jessica Lochie, Anthony Munar, and Cara Nardone. The production staff includes: Tiffany Atkins, Gwen Baier, Rebecca Darling, Dana Jackson, Miranda Micciche, Travis Murray, and Kristin Stewart.

Tickets are $10, regular admission; $8, seniors; $6, students; free for IHM Sisters and for those with a valid Marywood ID. For reservations, please call (570) 348-6211, ext. 6097.