Rider Opens Spring Theater Season With "Proof"
The powerful story of an enigmatic young woman haunted by her father’s past and the shadow of her own future is told in the Pulitzer Prize winning drama Proof written by David Auburn. The play is about the daughter of a mathematical genius who fears she might have inherited not only her father’s genius but also his mental instability. Set in Chicago, the play takes place immediately following the death of the father and grapples with such issues as sibling rivalry, chauvinism in the sciences, mental disease, and young love against insurmountable odds.
Rider’s fine arts department production will run February 15, 16, 22, 23. The curtain rises at 8 p.m. in the Yvonne Theater. Preview performance is on February 14 at 7 p.m.
Performing as lead actors are: Michele Danna of Glen Rock, a senior secondary education/English major and fine arts/theater minor, as Claire; Kevin Feehery of Wall, a senior fine arts/theater major and acting scholar, as Robert; Justin Kelly of Point Pleasant, a freshman acting scholar, as Hal; and Joanne Nosuchinsky of Freehold, a sophomore fine arts/theater major and acting scholar, as Catherine.
In a program note for Rider’s production, Dr. Bill Amadio, associate professor of computer information systems, maintains that “we watch four characters search for the boundaries of order, rationality and proof in their relationships and personal ambitions. Father and daughter, sister and sister, man and woman play out this drama against the looming backdrop of what some have called the “Queen of the Sciences.” We see that in life, as in mathematics, not all truths are provable, and finding our way requires strong doses of faith, trust and love.”
Director of the production is Dr. Patrick Chmel, chair of the fine arts department and associate dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts. Dr. Chmel reports that the rehearsals of this play have been stimulating and challenging. “Getting the four right actors was difficult. Rider’s theater program has a very deep pool of gifted young actors and the competition for these roles was fierce,” Chmel said. “In rehearsals these actors have been forced to confront emotions that are so deep and psychological relationships so complicate – Proof is one of the most emotionally wrenching assignments they’ve ever faced. I’m constantly impressed as to how honestly they’ve confronted these challenges head-on, and how rapidly they’ve grown. They love the characters. They feel honored to be in this play.”
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students, faculty and staff. Admission is $4 for the preview show on Thursday, February 14 at 7 p.m For reservations call 609-896-5303.
Submitted on January 25, 2008
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