Theatre Fairfield presents "Festival '07" | Press Releases

A 5-day theatrical extravaganza beginning Feb. 27

Theatre Fairfield, Fairfield University's resident student company, presents "Festival '07" a 5-day theatrical extravaganza premiering the work of student playwrights, directors, designers and actors. Performances are Tuesday, February 27 through Friday, March 2 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. in the Wien Experimental Black Box Theatre, at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on the campus of Fairfield University.

The "Festival" series was created as a vehicle by which students are offered an opportunity to expand their writing, directing, acting and design skills culminating in a public performance that will showcase their efforts. "Festival '07" features two plays, "Merry Christmas" by Jared Mezzocchi '07 and "Henchmen," by Dan Scivoletti '07 and an ensemble theatrical piece, "Do You Realize?" created by Project Peg, a Fairfield University student group.

"Merry Christmas," directed by Wendy Scola '07, is set at a time most often linked to merry thoughts. Using the holiday season as a framework, playwright Mezzocchi explores the betrayal and denial that often wounds families. "Merry Christmas" presents the yuletide as a time for joy, friendships, and of course, the abundant generosity of Santa, but as the hands of the clock change and time literally ticks backward, it becomes clear that the holidays can also be a time for unpleasant surprises. The cast includes Evan Barden '08, Elizabeth Thompson '09, Kira Gustafon '10 and Gary Pelletier '09.

"Henchmen," directed by Jared Mezzocchi '07, introduces the fictional villains of superhero comic strips - with a twist. Playwright Scivoletti '07 explores a new perspective on the classic showdown of good versus evil by creating characters who are decked out in superhero gear, with superhero names, and superhero powers and who turn out not to be superhero material. Tony da Costa '08, Jeremy Shea '10, and Anne Krane '09 flagrantly "duel" for the honor of being the most evil superhero.

"Do You Realize?" is an ensemble theatrical piece that focuses on the way in which body image affects one's feeling about oneself. Co-created & co-directed by Darci Fulcher '07 & Jodie Pfau '07, this courageously unique piece features everyday dialogues about body image and the inner monologues that result from them. The ensemble of 9 actors has used the rehearsal process to write "Do You Realize?" using shared personal stories from their own lives. In addition to the contributions of Fulcher and Pfau, cast members include Katie Carroll '09, Jayson Crowley '10, Glenn Ghirardi '10, Michael Livingston '07, Jennifer Martin '10, Elizabeth Mercadante '09, Kate Walsh '07, Brigid Williams '07, and Sarah Zybert '09.

Rounding out the "Festival '07" production values is an all-student design team featuring scenic design by James Burns '07, costume design by Carla Weigers '07 and lighting design by Jenn Trudeau '09. Chris Swetcky '07 serves as Technical Director for the production.

Tickets are $12, general admission, $6, seniors & university staff, and $5, students. They are now available online at www.quickcenter.com or call the Box Office at (203) 254-4010. The toll free number is 1-877-ARTS-396. Visit the website at www.quickcenter.com for further information.