0 ARTS Page 6 Thursday, March 10, 1983 The Michigan Daily 'Father' shines despite storm I By Julie Bernstein M ONDAY NIGHT'S TORNADO warnings proved inconvenient for most, but for the MFA Showcase's opening of The Father, the prolonged uncertainty of weather set an ap- propriate air for the suspenseful piece. Radu Penciulescu's creation is not just a definitive showcase for the MFA ac- ting students but a neatly-packaged production where the most powerful moments contain not the slightest sound or movement. The Father successfully minimizes the antiquity and potential stiffness of a modern European play, heavily-packed with revolutionary social thought. Pen- ciulesca provides that unique blend of thematic and symbolic imagery com- bined with emotional personal connec- tions. As soon as the play's 1880s ideals start to distance you from what's ac- tually happening, a moment of personal identification brings you back. This play starts in the middle of a conversation with very little exposition, so it is important to see and hear every detail. Unfortunatly actors racing through their lines let important in- formation slip by at first, but this frequent opening night tendency sub- sided not long into the piece, and the play took on a more even and highly ef- fective pace. Because of the moment-to-moment quintessentiality here, a proscenium stage would better suit this play. Theater-in-the round helps set a very realistic tone, but gestures such as tur- ned backs sometimes prevent the audience from catching subtle twists in the story's development. Nonetheless, Penciulesca makes excellent use of the space. With tapestries connecting every corner, Trueblood Theater feels twice the size, and makes the play an entrapment of emotion, placing the audience right in the middle. Despite some moments of generalized acting, this ensemble showcased some fine work. Gregg Henry in the title role, keeps you on your toes. His fluidity of movement and spontaneous moments of discovery keep you wondering; is he mentally un- stable, or is everyone else crazy, trying to discipline an innovative, defiant spirit? Another Frances theme shown at the Trueblood. Michael Goldberg, the doctor, and Scott Weissman, the preacher, are the epitomies of 1880s social restraints. Goldberg's stares of speculation are both mystifying and sensitive. Margaret Gonzales' gutsy performance as the bratty, unsophisticated daughter made the father's victimized outcome even more sympathetic. The main catalyst for the father's tor- turing destiny is his wife, Laura, played by Gwendolyn Ricks. Rick's presence is breathtaking but her intentions seem undefined. Technically, she met much of the challenge. Ricks came across best in her direct confrontational scenes, whereas Henry's finely-tuned intensity geared her away from the general and towards the specific, drawing her entire character into clearer focus. Costumes are exquisite and further enhance the richness of the highly-charged emotional atmosphere. The cast reflects a cohesiveness in their working process and final product. A learning and growing ex- perience shines through this artistic achievement. The Father is not a cheap commercial production but an exten- sion of the MFA students' training and commitment that is well-worth your at- tendance and appreciation. Perfor- mances are tonight through Saturday with a matinee on Sunday; tickets are $3.50. 7I CI eI $2.00 SAT SUN SHOWS BEFORE 6:00 PM A COMEDY FOR THE INCURABLY ROMANTIC DUDLEY MOORE STAR OF "TEN" AND "ARTHUR" LOVE SICK - (PG) THURS FRI - 6:45, 8:30, 10:15 I ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS INCL... Henry, Weissman and Penciulescu (right to left) rehearse 'The Father.' F U ni WW~w~ Blandsh attle-for BEST ACTRESS MERYL STREEP 764-0558 764-0558 II SOPHIE'S CHOICE glory at M IT'S MICHIGRAS time again for all the collegiate types in our midst. Among the week's exciting activities will be a pizza-eating contest in the Union this afternoon, followed on Friday by clowns in the diag in the afternoon and in the Pendleton room at night (the latter event is billed as a "Shapiro Roast"; the guest of honor will be there to reply). On Saturday night Michigras will feature casino entertainment in the grand ballroom, a ZBT dance marathon, an arcade, and (best of all) free ping-pong. The highlight of the festival, however, will doubtless be the nightly ,in i./ fIfri. i %oW kwF V %w4W r f/,i Ift/ i V i (R) THURS FRI - 6:45, 9:30 u U i __ ichigras "Battle of the bands" competitions in the U-Club. Four will play each of the first two nights; the best two will win a gig at the Second Chance and the opportunity to face each other in a Saturday night showdown. The battle's purported purpose is to showcase University students' bands. At least two of each band's members must be enrolled. Explained show coordinator Dennis Hartleib, "We're I trying to attract bands that haven't been around before." The scheduled lineup, which Hartleib promises will offer "a little of everything" (except jazz) stylistically, includes Slippery .Eel, Boy's Life, Aluminum Beach, and Nighthawk on Thursday; and The Works, Tension, Resistance Free, and Epicurean on Friday. Judges will represent radio stations WIQB and WCBN as well as Prism productions, the Daily, and I possibly the music school. The price is $1.00 nightly, and music will begin at 9 p.m. -Joe Hoppe Josten 'S Personalized Signet Ring Your College Ring designed with a personal touch... TRADE IN YOUR GOLD HIGH SCHOOL RING* On any Josten's college ring GOOD FOR $91.00 SPECIAL OFFERING TODAY! A new white lustrium colleae rina * "Gimme a Gimme an Gimme an D A I . . . L . .Y 14 Give the MICHIGAN DAILY that old college try. CALL 764-0558 to order your subscription WORK AT TAMARACK THIS SUMMER We'll supply room, board, salary, training and lots of support, great facilities and kids. You supply the enthusiasm. Tamarack is operated by the Fresh Air Society of Metropolitan Detroit, a non-profit Jewish Agency. Our camps are located in Brighton and Ortonville, Michigan. .1