Comic Production Takes the Stage at Utah State University

Swearing off women for three years is not the answer to achieving scholarly success; the King of Navarre and his men learn this lesson the hard way in the next stage production opening at Utah State University when the Caine School of the Arts presents Utah State Theatre’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, the comic play by William Shakespeare.

The production runs March 4-6 and 10-13, in the Morgan Theatre of the Chase Fine Arts Center on the USU campus (approximately 1110 E. 610 North, Logan). Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. for all dates.

Tickets are available at the Caine School of the Arts Box Office in the Chase Fine Arts Center, FA 138-B, 435-797-8022, or online and are $13 for adults, $11 for USU faculty and staff, $9 for all non-USU students and free to USU students with a valid student ID.

Love’s Labour’s Lost is a comic tale of a king and his men and their oath to swear off the biggest “distractions” in life — women, sleep and food — in order to be entirely devoted to their studies for three years.

The comic structure of the play begins at the opening and continues throughout, beginning with the oath the four men take to not allow women in their court, to sleep only three hours a night and to fast once a week. Immediately after agreeing to this oath, the king receives word that a lovely princess and her ladies have arrived in town — guests who definitely make the oath harder to live by.

“If you like watching TV sitcoms like Friends and Seinfeld, this play is for you,” said Josh Patterson, research assistant and dramaturg, or literary manager, for the production. “Don’t be afraid to come just because it’s Shakespeare. The play contains many elements similar to those of popular television series — like quick-witted characters, back-and-forth banter, mistaken identities, and people who think their secrets are private when in fact, everyone knows the truth.”

Utah State Theatre’s production involves 18th century-style design elements and are described as stunning by cast members.

“The set and costumes bring the play to life,” said Shanice Holt, actress portraying Jaquenetta, the country wrench in Love’s Labour’s Lost.

Nancy Hills, costume designer for USU’s theatre arts department, said the story is delightful and the colorful use of costumes only adds to the unique personalities of the characters portrayed.

“The costumes are intended to suit the time period and each distinct individual, whether they are a king, clown, cleric, scholar, rascal or lady,” said Hills. “The gowns of the princess and her ladies are each custom-designed in a sorbet color-scheme to match the apparel of the king and his men.”

The creative use of apparel will help audience members to better follow each developing love pursuit.

Many stories unfold at the same time throughout the play.

“There is so much energy and action on stage, from dancing and running to musical instrument performances and songs,” said Holt. “There is this fun, farcical, romantic comedy feel to it.”

Patterson said while the play is a fun, light, and funny show with some neat period specific dances, there is definitely a shocking ending.

“Who doesn’t enjoy watching a play about love, laughing as they witness foolish people trying to woo each other, only to be surprised at the end? I think anyone who sees it will be entertained and will definitely have a good time.”

A comprehensive study guide created by Patterson and USU honors creative arts students specifically for Love’s Labour’s Lost is available upon request. Email Patterson, jlbob1@hotmail.com, to obtain a free electronic copy.

The Caine School of the Arts presents more than 200 events each academic year. For information on upcoming events presented by Caine School of the Arts, visit the Web site.

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Writer: Courtney Lewis, 435-797-9203, Courtney.lewis@usu.edu

Contact: Sally Okelberry, 435-797-1500, sally.okelberry@usu.edu