2008 Woodie Awards
Theatre program to perform 'Amadeus'
Andy Bockelman
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Entertainment
For its final main stage show of the academic year, the University of Northern Colorado theatre department will be performing a play which may not be a musical, but contains a wealth of music within its context.
The upcoming production of Peter Shaffer's "Amadeus" focuses on the life and times of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as told through the standpoint of the composer's rival Antonio Salieri, whose hatred of his counterpart is the major concentration of the story. Though the plot is only loosely based on the historical facts known about the two men, the play has been one of the most popular titles of the last few decades. For director Mary Schuttler, the head of theatre education, staging the work is a dream come true.
"I've wanted to do this show ever since I started teaching theatre," she said. "I even got to meet Shaffer two years ago, which I took as a sign that I would finally be able to get it off the ground. The cast has been great in making this a remarkable endeavor. One of the best points is in the script. It's amazing, because it flows so well and it's the kind of writing that really helps the actors get in touch with their characters. It's very cinematic in its pacing, so it feels like you're watching a movie."
The 1984 film version of "Amadeus" has almost eclipsed the play in popularity, but Shaffer has made numerous subsequent modifications to his piece.
"We'll be performing the latest alteration," Schuttler said. "The characters are the same and all, but their personalities are slightly different, especially Salieri. He gets more and more ruthless."
Senior acting major Kurt Larson will be portraying Mozart. In playing such a renowned role, the actor said he hopes to distinguish himself from Tom Hulce's infamously kitschy screen interpretation of the musical prodigy.
"So many people have asked me if I'm going to laugh like he does in the movie," he said. "I don't want to just do an impression. I'm trying to put my own twist on the character. The whole thing is both intimidating and exciting, but I'm performing with the most professional group I could want."
André Rodriguez, a junior theatre education major and assistant director, said he concurs with these sentiments.
"Everyone involved has a lot to be proud of because this is going to be a fantastic show," he said. "I think it is brilliant in all aspects; the dialogue is engaging, entertaining and above all, smart. The set is heavily detailed and historically accurate and from a designer's perspective, I think it's beautiful, phenomenal even. Each time I watch it, I'm amazed when I find new layers that I never thought of before."
"Amadeus" will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Frasier Hall's Langworthy Theatre. Tickets are available at the Performing Arts box office.
The upcoming production of Peter Shaffer's "Amadeus" focuses on the life and times of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as told through the standpoint of the composer's rival Antonio Salieri, whose hatred of his counterpart is the major concentration of the story. Though the plot is only loosely based on the historical facts known about the two men, the play has been one of the most popular titles of the last few decades. For director Mary Schuttler, the head of theatre education, staging the work is a dream come true.
"I've wanted to do this show ever since I started teaching theatre," she said. "I even got to meet Shaffer two years ago, which I took as a sign that I would finally be able to get it off the ground. The cast has been great in making this a remarkable endeavor. One of the best points is in the script. It's amazing, because it flows so well and it's the kind of writing that really helps the actors get in touch with their characters. It's very cinematic in its pacing, so it feels like you're watching a movie."
The 1984 film version of "Amadeus" has almost eclipsed the play in popularity, but Shaffer has made numerous subsequent modifications to his piece.
"We'll be performing the latest alteration," Schuttler said. "The characters are the same and all, but their personalities are slightly different, especially Salieri. He gets more and more ruthless."
Senior acting major Kurt Larson will be portraying Mozart. In playing such a renowned role, the actor said he hopes to distinguish himself from Tom Hulce's infamously kitschy screen interpretation of the musical prodigy.
"So many people have asked me if I'm going to laugh like he does in the movie," he said. "I don't want to just do an impression. I'm trying to put my own twist on the character. The whole thing is both intimidating and exciting, but I'm performing with the most professional group I could want."
André Rodriguez, a junior theatre education major and assistant director, said he concurs with these sentiments.
"Everyone involved has a lot to be proud of because this is going to be a fantastic show," he said. "I think it is brilliant in all aspects; the dialogue is engaging, entertaining and above all, smart. The set is heavily detailed and historically accurate and from a designer's perspective, I think it's beautiful, phenomenal even. Each time I watch it, I'm amazed when I find new layers that I never thought of before."
"Amadeus" will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Frasier Hall's Langworthy Theatre. Tickets are available at the Performing Arts box office.
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