'The Women' brings the '30s to the stage
Aleks Mencel
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
This Friday, Nov. 20, come out to support 21 of Skidmore's finest actresses at 8 p.m. in the main stage of the JKB Theatre. Enjoy this 1930s play, "The Women."Written by Claire Booth, this drama focuses on the bonds and struggles in women's friendships as well as the hardships they endure in their marriages. Booth was a member of the New York City high society group and it has been rumored that she created some of these characters after women she knew. The play's director, Alma Becker, describes "The Women" as a morality play as well as a comedy. "There are quite a lot of changing of spouses, both men and women cheating on one another and, most importantly, its effect on marriages, family and children. There are scenes that are surprisingly
touching, especially between the characters who are related, like mother, sister and daughter," Becker said. This social satire's characters are divided into two sections: the wealthy, upscale women and the people who make their lives run smoothly - i.e. the manicurists, nannies and servants. The play also explores the effects of gossip, friendship, bad advice and shifting
allegiances between groups of female friends, topics that are still very prevalent in today's society. Many of the 21 actresses are responsible for more than one role. Sophomore Mia Weinberger, plays four characters: the Hairdresser, a model, the Exercise Instructress and the Debutante. "It is challenging in that you really have to create four different lives but I love being able to switch into something new every time I come on stage," Weinberger said. In terms of the scenery, there is one fixed set that is created in an art deco style with different furniture
serving as location changes. The lighting designer, Dave Yergen, has discovered a way to play with reflective lighting so that it gives the allusion of several mirrors on stage. Costumes, coordinated by Patty Pawliczak, will be both vintage and newly made but in the design of the period, paying special attention
to the drape and shape of the clothing. Director Alma Becker speaks highly of their acting ability, but seems more impressed with the strong bonds that these 21 actresses have established between one another. There are no catfights, just high-energy, three-hour-long rehearsals five times a week filled with laughter and a whole lot of fun. Watch your fellow Skidmore thespians at one of the seven performances of "The Women" being shown throughout the next three weeks. You will be amazed at how little has changed in our society within the last 70 years - women will always be women.
touching, especially between the characters who are related, like mother, sister and daughter," Becker said. This social satire's characters are divided into two sections: the wealthy, upscale women and the people who make their lives run smoothly - i.e. the manicurists, nannies and servants. The play also explores the effects of gossip, friendship, bad advice and shifting
allegiances between groups of female friends, topics that are still very prevalent in today's society. Many of the 21 actresses are responsible for more than one role. Sophomore Mia Weinberger, plays four characters: the Hairdresser, a model, the Exercise Instructress and the Debutante. "It is challenging in that you really have to create four different lives but I love being able to switch into something new every time I come on stage," Weinberger said. In terms of the scenery, there is one fixed set that is created in an art deco style with different furniture
serving as location changes. The lighting designer, Dave Yergen, has discovered a way to play with reflective lighting so that it gives the allusion of several mirrors on stage. Costumes, coordinated by Patty Pawliczak, will be both vintage and newly made but in the design of the period, paying special attention
to the drape and shape of the clothing. Director Alma Becker speaks highly of their acting ability, but seems more impressed with the strong bonds that these 21 actresses have established between one another. There are no catfights, just high-energy, three-hour-long rehearsals five times a week filled with laughter and a whole lot of fun. Watch your fellow Skidmore thespians at one of the seven performances of "The Women" being shown throughout the next three weeks. You will be amazed at how little has changed in our society within the last 70 years - women will always be women.
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