Originally when I heard about this play, I was skeptical. I knew magic and a wizard was involved – and that was about it. At first I literally thought I was about to see a 17th Century version of Harry Potter. To my surprise, that was not the story line at all.
The opening scene instantly catches your attention. An older gentleman is wandering through a cave, but why? Turns out the guy is looking for his long-lost son. Apparently, the cave is home to a magician who is known for all kinds of spells, tricks, and especially, illusions. The man, Pridamant (Jonathon Peck) finally discovers the magician and his servant in the beautifully constructed cave (really, I dug it).
Pridamant tells the magician Alcandre (Peter J. Smith) that he is looking for his estranged son. Alcandre tells him he has the power to show where his son is. This excites Pridament greatly. From this point in the story up until intermission I could not stop laughing. This play is hysterical. All of the characters do a fabulous job, plus the effects are pretty cool. This was the first time I had ever seen Tech’s Theatre Department ever use so many of them.
Considering that there really aren’t many scene changes (and when there are, they’re minor) the scenes are arranged nicely. I got the feel of where the characters were supposed to be and how that affected the story. One of the first scenes displaying an “illusion” is a mirror that turns into a photograph with people who seem to magically come to life. There’s also a lot of fog involved and there’s even a magic trick performed onstage, and not just your hocus-pocus stuff.
If that doesn’t give you incentive to go, then the characters will.
In his introduction, Pridamant’s son has named himself Calisto (Christopher Kiley) and he is hysterical. His character is very theatrical and he instantly reminded me of the male prince from Disney’s “Tangled.” True story. As she’s introduced in the first illusion, Melibea (Madison Weinhoffer) is a young, wealthy woman looking for love. She is just like every other woman- stubborn and beautiful. She is accompanied by her maid, Elicia (Cinthya Hernandez) who is secretly in love with Calisto. Calisto is in love with Melibea for her money, because ever since he left his rich lawyer father Calisto has turned poor. It’s an odd love triangle, but the way the characters act is hilarious. They’re sexual, hilarious, and they will make you feel emotion whether you want to or not.
Personally, my favorite character was Matamore (Tiza Garland). The character is a man who appears to be a very desirable bachelor and has gone off to war and has won many battles. He too, is very theatrical and flamboyant. He reminds me of Puss and Boots. Literally, that is his character. The best part about his role, is it’s played by a woman. AND I ADORED HER. I seriously wanted to get on stage and be best friends with her character. She was great and the funniest role, hands down.
The way this story is conducted is interesting. This version of “The Illusion” was actually written by famous playwright Tony Kushner and was adapted by the original Pierre Corneille’s “L’Ullusion Comique.” There’s a definite story, but there are not any scenes or defined ‘acts’ – just an intermission. I won’t give the rest away but there are many illusions, romance, hilarity, and tears for all.
Tickets for The Illusion are $18 for individuals and $5 for students with a valid student ID. A limited number of free student rush tickets are available for Texas Tech Students. The Illusion runs from November 21-23 at 8 p.m. and November 24 at 2 p.m. For more information please call the Maedgen Theatre box office at (806) 742-3603.
Cast:
Pridamant – Jonathon Peek
The Amanuensis – Nicholas Hernandez
Alcandre – Peter J. Smith
Calisto/Clindor/Theogenes – Christopher Kiley
Melibea/Isabelle/Hippolyta – Madison Weinhoffer
Elicia/Lyse/Clarina – Cinthya Hernandez
Pleribo/Adraste/Prince Florilame – Joshua Servantez
Matamore – Tiza Garland
Production Staff:
Stage Manager – Paula Fritz
Asst. Stage Manager – Jesus M. Ramirez and Roshonda Petties, Scott Ferrell, Jr. and Ashley Sawatzke
Asst. Director – DeRon S. Williams
Dramaturg- Jared Strange
Fight Director – Tiza Garland
Asst. Costume Designer – Scott Ferrell, Jr.
Asst. Lighting Designer – Sierra D. Burt
Master Electrician – Leni Morales
Scenic Artist – Athos G. Collon III
Sound Running Crew – Natascha Muizers
Lights Running Crew – Joshua Barrett, Calli Lynch, and Connor Myers
Set Running Crew – Scott Ferrell, Jr., Scott Luke, Jennifer McKown, and Randy Woolley
Costume Running Crew – Athena Flusche, Taylor Hart, Leah Lambert, Leni Morales, Alexis Qaiyyim, Teresa Stranahan, and Alex Vletas
Program Design – Troy Battle
Poster Design – KVN Studio
House Supervisor – Ashley Meyer
Assistant House Supervisor – Clay Martin
House Managers – Maria Albutra and Lauren Mangum
Ushers – Isiah Columbus, Zachary Eaton, Leticia Hernandez, Victoria Lawson, Dean Mitchell, and Benjamin Terry
About Lauren Estlinbaum
