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The Sword -- (Wisconsin Lutheran College newspaper)
November 5, 1999

Tales From the Blackbox

by SUSAN SONNABEND

When you combine a handful of creative, innovative WLC students in a small, bare black room with a few scripts, what do you get? "Twain by the Tale". Directed by senior Carrie McGhee, a cast of only a few students has combined to bring the WLC community an entertaining black box production. The play, presented in the Blackbox Theater in the Capstone, will run from November 18-20, with a free student preview on November 17.

"Twain by the Tale" is a short comedy comprised of two acts, based on some of Mark Twain's more obscure stories, sketches and monologues. Fifteen scenes comprise thie two acts, which feature segments as "Advice to Little Girls", "Noah and the Bureaucracy", and "The Great French Duel". With a vast array of technical assistants and such talented dramatic enthusiasts as Jon Baas, Sarah Schlomer, Sara Berg, Ryan Hartwig, Andy Zondag, Carrie Johnson, Cory Grassell, and Rachel Baas, "Twain by the Tale" has the potential to provide all audiences with laughter throughout the show. But be warned, says Cory Grassell, "If you don't come ready to listen (which could be necessary to pick up the jokes), you could find it difficult to laugh."

Student director Carrie McGhee eagerly anticipates the unveiling of "Twain by the Tale". She comments, "I am very excited about the show and all the hard work the cast and crew are putting into it." The eight cast members, with the help of three extras/crew members, portray various characters throughout the play. In describing the students involved in "Twain by the Tale", McGhee stated, "They are a dedicated bunch of people who are not afraid to take risks." McGhee is also very proud that WLC's Blackbox theater production has been entered in the ACTF (American College Theatre Festival) Competition, which is being held in Milwaukee this year. What this means for the cast and crew is that an evaluator will critique various aspects of the production and compare it with similar college productions. A black box production enable students to gain experience in designing, constructing, and directing dramatic performances in a creative manner.

Adapted by Dennis Snee, "Twain by the Tale" is indeed the kind of theatrical performance everyone involved with the WLC community can enjoy. Since seating in the Blackbox Theatre is limited, arriving early for the attracting is highly recommended. Shows begin at 8pm; ticket information is available through the Capstone Box Office.

Given the amount of dedication, hard work, and heart and soul the director, actors, and crew members have devoted to "Twain by the Tale", this is one production that is certain to be a success. Afterall, who can't enjoy a little comedy amidst the day to day humdrum of campus life?

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