Strains of Simon and Garfunkel’s Scarborough Fair open a recent production of The Graduate at Marian University Theater. The show, a touring production from the L.A. Theatre Works, is a unique combination of radio theatre and a traditional play. Actors in full costume rotate between standing microphones. There are no scripts, as with some radio performances, instead the actors perform the show in full to the accompaniment of prop zippers and slamming doors.
Most people are familiar with the plot from the movie version, but it originated as a novel which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The story is a one most twenty-somethings can identify with. The overwhelming question, "What are you going to do with your life?" that hangs over every college graduation ceremony is the driving force behind our main character's decisions. Benjamin Braddock finds himself at a loss for motivation after graduating and moving back home. His parents' friend Mrs. Robinson initiates an affair and Braddock finds himself caught up in an unexpected relationship.
Heidi Dippold plays the original cougar, Mrs. Robinson, with a sultry purr and a deeply rooted discontent. Her casual attitude of disinterest barely masks the anger of a wasted life. Jill Renner plays her unfortunate daughter Elaine. Renner does a wonderful job as a ambitious and passionate young woman struggling to reconcile her head and her heart. The rest of the cast is fleshed out with L.A. talent, including Brian Tichnell, Matthew Arkin, Darren Richardson, Diane Adair and Tom Virtue. Susan Albert Loewenber guides the show as the Producing Director.
The Graduate was a one night performance, but Marian University has many upcoming events, including an evening with the award-winning Irish singer/songwriter Eunan McIntyr. On Thursday, March 20 at 7:30 pm Indianapolis can enjoy McIntyr’s music and humor during "An Evening with Eunan McIntyre."
Here are a few more events to look forward to:
- Wednesday, January 29 @ 7pm: Global Studies Speaker Series - Dejan Lazic, world renowned pianist and composer “The Global Life of a Modern Musician” Co-sponsored by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
- Tuesday, February 25 @ 7pm: Global Studies Speaker Series - Bioethics panel discussion with medical ethicists from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, IU School of Medicine and Eli Lilly and Co. Co-sponsored by Marian University’s Center for Organizational Ethics
- Tuesday, March 25 @ 7pm: Global Studies Speaker Series - Carolyn Woo, president and CEO, Catholic Relief Services “God, Neighbor, Self” Co-sponsored by Catholic Relief Services
- Friday, April 11 and Saturday April 12 @ 7pm: Knight Fusion Singers – “A Little Knight Music” Dynamic evening with Marian University’s show choir
- Wednesday, April 16 @7pm: Global Studies Speaker Series - Archbishop Joseph Tobin, Archdiocese of Indianapolis “The Catholic Church: Catalyst for or Obstacle to a Better World?” Co-Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
For more information visit Marian University Theatre.
Photos courtesy of Marian University Theatre.
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