Theatre MSU opened its curtains in McComas Hall Theatre last night for the live debut of “Anything to Declare?,” a raunchy comedy written by Maurice Hennequin and Pierre Veber.
Jo Durst, director of the performance, believes the basis of the story is essentially about what is so natural to most people. Set in 20th century France, the French farce surrounding a young couple undergoing an unusual situation is comical, absurd and racy.
“It’s a story about love and what we are willing to do to prove that we love someone. It’s about spring and falling in love and the foolishness of human nature,” Durst said.
After newlyweds Count Robert de Trivelin and Paulette Dupont return from their honeymoon, it is discovered their marriage has not yet been consummated, putting a rift in the mother-in-law, Madame Dupont’s, hopes for a grandchild. Trivelin struggles meeting the demands of his newly acquired family.
Sophomore theatre major Matt Crane plays the role of Trivelin. Throughout the story, Trivelin struggles with his marriage to Paulette, played by freshman secondary education major Heather Wigginton. He also seeks aid from a self-proclaimed painter named Zeze.
Zeze, played by sophomore public relations major, Laura Beth Whitehead, is a French courtesan or mistress who is somewhat deceiving and controversial.
Whitehead said that playing the role of Zeze is not for a person who can not let go of their inhibitions and that with all the actors they learned more about to make their roles authentic of that time period.
“We did a lot of character work for that time period and a lot of warm-ups and exercises that reflected how we thought our character would really walk, dance, and just express themselves in general in 1912.”
Although Trivelin, fits the criteria of a nobleman Crane believes that he is not just that. He states that his character is a person of nobility but that he is also a “everyman.”
“Playing the progression of a man of such high status and seeing him hit such desperate lows and climbing back to such highs has been really fun. Trivelin may be nobility, but he is the everyman. We all have something or someone who we would go to the ends of the earth for. He’s very endearing.” Crane said.
Junior theatre major, Britt Gardner plays Dupont, the father of the bride. Gardner describes his character as being somewhat corrupt but he also believes he has an underlying cause to his demeanor.
Gardner has participated in many plays both backstage and a few front stage and acknowledges that acting in “Anything to Declare?” is a contrast to previous plays that he has been involved.
“The world and characters of this play are much grounded in reality than those I’ve encountered in the past.”
Perhaps the reality of the play can be identified in Madame Dupont played by sophomore communication major, Anna Smith. Smith defines Madame Dupont as being a woman that likes to be in control and stands behind what she wants and will try her best to achieve it.
Durst, an MSU faculty for 30 years, still believes in what theatre brings and believes choosing this play challenges the actors.
“It’s a story about love and what we are willing to do to prove that we love someone. It’s about spring and falling in love and the foolishness of human nature.”
A lot of work, effort and talent has been put into the production of this play, as noted by many cast members.
“The play is filled with great moments, great one liners, and great talent! A person is crazy if they don’t want to see it!” Whitehead said.
General admission is $10 and student admission is $5.