News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Opinions
Sports
Diversions
World News
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Classifieds
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Diversions
Presentation 'searches' lies, drugs
By Amanda Degen
Published:
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Media Credit: Matthew Kaster
Chris Lindahl (right) can be seen in the student run production of Search and Destroy at Center Stage in the Performing Arts Center. The show runs Feb 25- March 2.
Search and Destroy, the lewd and shrewd play by Howard Korder, is currently running at Center Stage in the Performing Arts Center through Sunday.
Presented by the St. Cloud State Theatre Department and featuring a student director, the play runs 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee.
Search and Destroy is unafraid to explore just how far one man will go in order to make his dreams come true.
The main character, although bearing good intentions, ends up making some very bad choices and chaos ensues.
Full of colorful language and adult themes, this fast-paced play is not for the faint of heart.
The play's uniqueness lies in its director, Eero Laine, the first student to direct a student production in the past few years.
"We do student shows in the theatre department, but what's unique is that they provided a faculty budget and faculty support for a student-run play," Laine said. "There was no faculty involvement at all. It's student-run, acted and designed and students received work-study hours."
When the future of the Theatre Department was shaky last year, efforts were made to improve the program as well as its impact on the community. The faculty gave students as many opportunities to get involved as they could, including students in design, set creation, sound and direction.
"I've seen Eero as an actor, but I really wanted to see what he was capable of as a director, and he surpassed everything I thought," said Brian Chmiel, who plays Lee and a hotel clerk. "The fact that he's closer to our age is better (than a faculty member). Instead of being yelled at a lot, he lets us be who we are."
Laine came across the play last summer, having read Korder's previous work, and enjoyed the themes that Search and Destroy contained.
Having taken directing courses at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, he is making efforts to do as much as possible while still an undergraduate.
Although the play he selected focuses on drugs, lies and murder, Laine doesn't think the play will shock the audience more than it will entertain.
"As much as any social statement is attached to any show, there's no such thing as an 'innocent piece of theatre.' There's always some sort of ideology behind it. I don't think it shoves it in anybody's face; it's more of a satire, showing the way things are and the ridiculousness of it, rather than telling you what's wrong."
The cast is mostly male, with only two female roles. Most of the performers play multiple roles, although it is not apparent because of many costume and scene changes. This was done in the Broadway version, and Laine chose to stick to the same format.
Its current themes and ideas appealed to many of the actors involved.
"It's a more modern play, and it's nice to work with something different as opposed to the classical theatre, which can get boring at times," said Allison True, who plays Marie and Terry. "And being (that) it's student-run, it has a more relaxed appeal to the students."
Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and non-SCSU students and free to SCSU students. The proceeds go towards the Theatre Department for future plays and productions. Search and Destroy's success will help pave the way for more student directing as well as faculty budgeting.
"The play is very movie-like and very challenging," said Chris Lindahl, who plays Carling, Dr. Luther Waxling and the accountant. "There was plenty of sex in Lysistrata, and a lot of people went to see that show. This play has sex, drugs and violence, so I can't see
Privacy Policy
Network Advertising
Article Syndication
