That's right, folks: today is the day. We've been counting down all week long (quite excitedly on my end), and we are finally able to say that the second show of our 2013 season is ready to be seen and enjoyed by the public! To keep in the spirit of countdowns, I've put together a "Top Ten" countdown for reasons why you should come see "Mrs. Mannerly" on stage in the Studio Theatre at the Nebraska Rep. Let's get to it, David Letterman style...
Number 10: It's nostalgic! - Everybody loves to "remember when", and "Mrs. Mannerly"gives plenty of opportunities for one to reflect on his own childhood while they follow the hilarious story of Jeffrey's memories back to Mrs. Mannerly's etiquette class. An extra bonus for those who grew up in the 1960s: there are tons of references to what was popular in entertainment and culture back then!
Number 9: It's educational! - Believe it or not, you learn a bunch of etiquette rules and tips throughout the show! Not only will you get an entertaining performance, but you'll also get a fair amount of helpful hints on how to properly throw your next social get-together, among other etiquette rules. Who could ask for more?
Number 8: It's incredibly relatable. - Let's face it: all of us have reached a point in our lives where all we wanted was to find something we were incredibly good at. Though not all of us may have wanted to become professionals in etiquette like Jeffrey, we know how he feels. We've all wanted to find our special niche, and we've all wanted to be the best we could be at it. When you see Jeffrey on stage trying to accomplish his goal and reach the right of passage that is graduation (another thing we all have our sights set on), you can't help but know how he feels.
Number 7: The Studio Theatre. - You won't realize how important the style of theatre is until you see this show. Performed in the Temple Building's intimate Studio Theatre, all 160 seats are arranged in a way which all audience members have a close-up connection to the show. The actors are right on the floor, which makes it easier to see their expressions and gestures, and it makes the audience feel like they're part of the show.
Number 6: The set. - Combine the expertise of Scenic Designer Laurel Shoemaker and artist David Tousley, and you've got an artistic set that is second to none. Rather than build an elaborate set, Laurel uses images of murals located in Steubenville, Ohio (the actual setting for "Mrs. Mannerly") for light projections that set the nostalgic stage for each scene. Add illustrations, inspired by vintage etiquette books, courtesy of UNL student David Tousley, and you've got a one-of-a-kind scenic experience that is begging to be seen. (Get it? Seen, which sounds like "scene"? Ha.)
Number 5: The cast is entirely Equity. - The two cast members of the show, Juanita Rice and Mark McCarthy, are both members of the Actors' Equity Association. Mrs. Rice, an alumna of the University, has been both performing and teaching theatre for decades, from Nebraska to California (She's also a doctor!...of theatre). Mr. McCarthy has traveled all over the country to perform in different companies, and he is also an accomplished playwright and voiceover actor. These two don't mess around when it comes to any aspect of theatre, so you know they're going to bring nothing but fantastic talent to the stage.
Number 4: The chemistry. - Looking at all of the credentials above, of course these two talented actors are going to have loads of chemistry! Since they are the only two members of the cast, they work wonders to keep things interesting, and the way they play off of one another is amazing as well as hilarious.
Number 3: The character pops. - Perhaps it's the inner speech nerd inside me, but there's nothing I love more than a variety of characters, especially when they're all portrayed by one person. Not only does Mr. McCarthy personify young Jeffrey, but he also plays all of Jeffrey's very...um...charismatic classmates. With changes in posture as well as voice, you are sure to notice the special panache that Mr. McCarthy brings to every one of the characters he plays, and you are sure to get a laugh.
Number 2: The Urbinati. - No, I don't use Director Rob Urbinati's last name for reason number two just because it sounds cool, but also because all you need to hear is his last name to know how fantastic he is. Mr. Urbinati has accumulated an extreme amount of experience directing for many productions and companies in New York City, and we are so pleased that he has returned for the second time to the Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Mr. Urbinati uses a creative vision and enthusiasm that helps bring the play together, while keeping it entertaining and fresh.
And the Number 1 reason you should come see "Mrs. Mannerly" at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre... The script. - Without the amazing script brought to us by Jeffrey Hatcher, we wouldn't have a production to begin with! Mr. Hatcher's ability to write a play chock-full of humor, nostalgia, fantastic characters, relatable lessons, and entertaining plot is what brings us to Studio Theatre tonight. Without the script, we wouldn't have a show, and we are SO glad to have such a talent company bring you this fantastic work tonight.
...And there you have it! The top ten reasons (and their explanations) of why you should come see "Mrs. Mannerly" at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre this summer. Though our shows for tonight and tomorrow are sold out, we certainly hope that you are now convinced to order your tickets for the next available performance. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!
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