The audience was in for a good time, and possibly a kiss, at the Theatre Department’s first performance of “Scapin.” The opening night was a success, selling out and keeping everyone in the room bursting with laughter.
“Scapin” is a comedy written by French playwright Molière. The play will keep a smile on your face long after you’ve left the theatre.
“Scapin” tells the story of the titular servant “who will scam, barter and cajole his way into hairpin plans to help young lovers out of a jam and revenge his master, staying one step ahead of trouble all the way,” Dr. Caroline Mercier, director of the play and professor of costume and makeup in the Theatre Department, writes in the program.
Although “Scapin” is normally three acts long, this production was  directed short and sweet.
“This play is performed as if the audience is licking a popsicle,” Dr. Mercier said. “You have to eat it before it melts.
The cast consists of four young, star-crossed lovers, two servants ready to help them out, the mother of Octave and the father of Leandre, who try to impede the lovers’ efforts to be together.
Antonio Alvarado (senior, Theatre) and Cameron Jackson (senior, Theatre) gave the most memorable performances of the night, with Alvarado breathing life into Geronte, the father, and Jackson as Scapin including us in the play by continually referencing the audience.
The stage was simple but did the job. A couple of chests as props served multiple purposes for the cast, a lamp post was used in almost every scene and several different lights lit the room with a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
This minimalism helped the audience focus more on the cast and their outstanding performance rather than the set.
There was a bit of French, English and “un poquito de” Spanish used. In one scene Geronte cursed in Spanish at the disbelief of his daughter’s betrayal. Alvarado’s accent and delivery of those had the audience roaring with laughter. Touches like this made me love the play even more.
The theatregoers were acknowledged throughout the whole play, and at one point an audience member was even taken down to the center of the stage. I thought she was the luckiest attendee of the night, although she might have had a different opinion.
The witnesses gasped and busted out laughing at the sight of Scapin fooling her into giving him a kiss. Scapin asked for a kiss on the cheek, turning his head as soon as he saw her lips close to his cheek. Stunts like this made sure there was never a dull moment during the play.
I give this play two thumbs up, not only for being hilarious and entertaining, but for making my first experience with CSU Stanislaus Theatre certainly not my last.
Their next performances are Oct. 10 through 12 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Studio Theatre located in the Theatre building. Students can purchase tickets for $8 at the Theatre box office or in advance.
For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit csustan.edu/soa/theatretickets.