SMiser :Skimpy on faults Thp Michigan Daily- Monday, February 16, 1987 - Page 9 'Beyond Surrealism' By Karin Edelson Is it any wonder that the University Players' production of Moliere'sThe Miser sold out every performance this past weekend at the Trueblood theatre? Not when one considers the tremendous talent and enthusiasm of the cast and the amusing plot of this comedy. Although there were a few minor flaws, due mostly to the script rather than the performances of the eleven cast members, The Miser was a truly light and entertaining comedy with a small moral lesson -to boot. u Though each member of the cast presented their character well, certain individuals stood out among -the rest. Sue Kenny, whose vibrant axed hair and extremely provocative costume illuminated the stage in all nf her scenes, became one of the high points of the play. Her -character was also allowed more depth than many of the others as a money-hungry schemer who tries to swindle some of the Miser's money. Kenny also receives four stars for managing to remain in her low-cut gown throughout the entire performance, with only a few close calls, which the male members of the audience appplauded. Bill Downey, who played Harpagnon, the Miser, was certainly deserving of the part. His physicality was convincing as the old Miser, including his stooped posture, slow and awkward walk, and the jiggling movements of his hands and feet. Best of all was his handling of his spectacles with ex - tremely shaky hands, taking a long time to put them on and off his nose. Regardless of how many times this was repeated this, it was always hilarious. The costumes, designed by graduate theatre student, Susan Attea, were very elaborate, and each was indicative of the personality of the character who wore it. It was apparent that a great deal of effort went into the production of these eighteenth century clothes and they greatly increased the quality of the play. While I enjoyed most aspects of the production, there were a few points that weren't up to par. The second act wasn't nearly as amusing as the first, and the overly corny ending was a disappointment. This may have been due to Miles Mallson's reworking of the original script. Fortunately, the cast overcame these flaws by deliberately overacting at the end, acknowledging that the conclusion was too unbelievable. In addition to the ending, two of the characters were not presented adequately. Too much attention was paid to Mistress Jeanne, the household servant and not enough was given to LaFleche, a servant to the Miser who succeeds in stealing his money. Because his character was (Continued from Page7) One does not need to see any hidden meaning in most of the pieces for them to be enjoyable, for they are intended to provoke the viewer's own imagination and are left open to his or her own interpretation. Overall, this cerebral collection of pieces illuminates a side of Ernst's career and personality which often goes ignored when the artist's career is examined. The multi- dimensional nature of the works and their undeniable ties to academic studies and print media extend the viewer's perception of Ernst, his surrealist colleagues, and modern- day notions of art altogether. This exhibit exemplifies both the collaborative nature which marked Ernst and the surrealists work habits, and the unique quality seperating Ernst and placing him on a unique level. The refusal to obey traditions and trends of any sort which dignified Max Ernst's long career is examined entertainingly, and concisely in "Max Ernst: Beyond Surrealism." Both the experienced and casual viewers are offered a tantalizing piece of the puzzle comprising the life and work of the artist. Blu uowney was a paticuar stan- dout in the University Players production of Moliere's 'The Miser.' underdeveloped, his motives for stealing the money were unclear. Despite these few problems of the script, director Richard Klautsch and his cast managed to present an amusing, as well as cohesive performance. GEORGE DAY STEREO SALE 1 DAY ONLY " MON., FEB 16 11 am to 9 pm the 1&p2 605 E. William (Just West of State), Ann Arbor Records Death of Samantha Laughing in the Face of a Dead Man Homestead Death of Samantha's John Pet- kovic sings like a bratty kid in heat. At times he can be a little tiring, but his half spoken/half shouted stream of consciousness vocals are also what gives' his band an edge over most of the other swirl-and-churl come latelys out there. Laughing in the Face of a Dead Man, their current EP, is a more stylized piece of Death of Samantha product. 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