It’s a classic tale of forbidden love, clever ruses, and rubber chickens — and it’s coming to The College of Idaho’s Langroise Studio Theatre this April.
The College of Idaho Theatre Department is proud to present “Scapin,” a classic farcical comedy adapted by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell from Molière’s 1671 play “Les Fourberies de Scapin,” which will play for two weekends starting at 7:30 p.m. from April 5-7 and April 12-14, along with 2 p.m. matinee performances on April 8 and April 15.
“I’m hard pressed to recall what the last really wacky comedy like this that we’ve done here at the College, which is exactly why we wanted to do this,” said C of I Theatre Professor and “Scapin” director Joe Golden. “We’ve done contemporary dramas, we’ve done Shakespeare, we’ve done stylized radio drama, but this is like a two-hour green show. It’s been awhile since our students have had the chance to perform something as farcical and romping as Scapin.”
“Scapin” is the first Molière play the College has produced in several years, although Golden said even Molière would be hard pressed to recognize this modern-day adaptation of the original three-act comedy. The play follows the crafty and conniving title character Scapin, played by C of I senior theatre major Casey Alcoser, as he aids two young nobles who have fallen in love with seemingly penniless brides — resolving to swindle large sums of money from their otherwise rich families even as he aids the star-crossed sons.
“He’s a wheeler and a dealer, and he’s always looking for the best outcome,” Alcoser said of his character. “He may be a servant in station, but he’s definitely not subservient to the people around him.”
Golden said the show leaves room for constant improvisation, with regular interaction between the characters and the audience encouraged. For Golden, who previously performed in green shows regularly as part of the “Fool Squad” with Tom Willmorth at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival for 22 years, the transition into directing the same style of comedy was both creatively fulfilling and a great learning opportunity for the young actors participating.
“It’s very valuable to have this kind of work in live theatre,” Golden explained. “It’s all about adapting to your audience and using references on the fly, whether you’re commenting on an audience member’s scarf or serving them a slice of pizza. It’s very live and very in the moment, but throughout this rehearsal process I’ve encouraged the whole company to conceive of their own comical bits. Nobody’s ideas are ever off the table. If we like it, we’ll use it.”
Just as Irwin and O’Donnell did in their adaptation, the C of I cast has modified parts of the play on their own to directly reference the College itself, peppering the show with references to Caldwell and the College, from the PEAK program to the new Cruzen-Murray Library.
“Any stream of consciousness joke that was thrown out during rehearsal got put in there,” Golden said. “We had no shame.”
Alcoser, who has performed in several comedic roles during his career in theatre, said his favorite part of the show is its live atmosphere, noting that the show will be different with every new audience.
“I love seeing what happens when comedy and craziness collide,” Alcoser said.
Tickets for “Scapin” are available onlinehere or by calling the Box Office at 208-459-5426. All seating is general admission, and accessible seating is available.
The College of Idaho has a 127-year-old legacy of excellence. The C of I is known for its outstanding academic programs, winning athletics tradition and history of producing successful graduates, including seven Rhodes Scholars, three governors, four NFL players and countless business leaders and innovators. Its distinctive PEAK Curriculum challenges students to attain competency in the four knowledge peaks of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and a professional field—empowering them to earn a major and three minors in four years. The College’s close-knit, residential campus is located in Caldwell, where its proximity both to Boise and to the world-class outdoor activities of southwest Idaho’s mountains and rivers offers unique opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. For more information, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.