The Foreigner
Comedic, witty play debuts tonight at Riverside
Kristin Frosch
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Currents
The role of Ellard is played by senior Tyler Morris. Although he has been acting since high school, "The Foreigner" is his first experience with comedy, Morris said.
"In rehearsal, you can think you're funny, but improving with lines usually isn't," he said. "The important element is with timing and phrasing, and Larry Shue [playwright] is awesome with that."
In addition, the enthusiastic and wholehearted senior Kaysee Schmidt assumes the role of the unconventional Betty Meeks, whom she humorously describes as "my grandmothers together with a little Paula Deen."
As a veteran actor of many years, Schmidt explained the definite differences between performing comedy and drama, as well as the associated challenges.
"Comedy is a different beast," Schmidt said. "In comedy, you have to deal with timing, gestures and physical expressions. However, in drama, you let the emotions just come over you rather than forcing it. I love comedy, but you're either good at it or not."
Both Schmidt and Morris expressed enthusiasm with working with the cast and Brown in "The Foreigner."
"It's been a blast," said Morris. "We've all gotten really close."
Brown also recalls enjoyable experiences working with this cast, his first at Eau Claire. He described the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings rivalry between the cast, which made for enjoyable outings and a chance for the group to develop lasting friendships. Their camaraderie clearly translates to the stage as comedic timing, and the ways in which the cast members play off of each other as an acting technique is superb and supremely amusing, he said.
Larry Shue's "The Foreigner" debuts at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Riverside Theatre in Haas Fine Arts Center. The play runs select times through Nov. 14.
"In rehearsal, you can think you're funny, but improving with lines usually isn't," he said. "The important element is with timing and phrasing, and Larry Shue [playwright] is awesome with that."
In addition, the enthusiastic and wholehearted senior Kaysee Schmidt assumes the role of the unconventional Betty Meeks, whom she humorously describes as "my grandmothers together with a little Paula Deen."
As a veteran actor of many years, Schmidt explained the definite differences between performing comedy and drama, as well as the associated challenges.
"Comedy is a different beast," Schmidt said. "In comedy, you have to deal with timing, gestures and physical expressions. However, in drama, you let the emotions just come over you rather than forcing it. I love comedy, but you're either good at it or not."
Both Schmidt and Morris expressed enthusiasm with working with the cast and Brown in "The Foreigner."
"It's been a blast," said Morris. "We've all gotten really close."
Brown also recalls enjoyable experiences working with this cast, his first at Eau Claire. He described the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings rivalry between the cast, which made for enjoyable outings and a chance for the group to develop lasting friendships. Their camaraderie clearly translates to the stage as comedic timing, and the ways in which the cast members play off of each other as an acting technique is superb and supremely amusing, he said.
Larry Shue's "The Foreigner" debuts at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Riverside Theatre in Haas Fine Arts Center. The play runs select times through Nov. 14.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Zacarias
posted 11/07/09 @ 11:09 AM CST
my girlfriend and I had a great time seeing this play this weekend... the acting, sets, themes, directing, audience, venue, etc. were all great and I have to admit I have a new found admiration for theatre in the chippewa valley and at uwec. (Continued…)
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