2008 Woodie Awards
"Wonder" in Waterville
Esther Boyd
Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The Theatre and Dance Department will present David Lindsay-Abaire's Wonder of the World at the Studio Theater on Main Street in downtown Waterville on April 12, 13, and 14. This production is unlike many Colby productions for a number of reasons, namely its community outreach component. In conjunction with the play, Colby students will offer theater workshops for local Waterville youth.
A comedic drama set in Niagara Falls, Wonder of the World deals with themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and identity through the eyes of seven zany characters all struggling to stay afloat in a world of materialism and chaos. While the themes are serious and the meaning important, the play is actually a comedy, and Lindsay-Abaire keeps the audience laughing with surprise at every new delightful twist.
Keeping with the project's goal of encouraging attendance from both the Colby and Waterville communities, the play will have four showings in the Studio Theater. The limited seating capacity will make for an intimate atmosphere. The company's desire is to further strengthen the bond between the Colby art community and that of Waterville.
Beyond the four performances, the company of Wonder will be offering theater workshops especially designed during the rehearsal process for local Waterville youth. Through these workshops in late April, the company hopes to strengthen the ties between the Colby theater scene and Waterville, share personal experiences and knowledge with students, and foster the growth of a local young arts community.
This idea of community is essential to the production and has been incorporated throughout the process. The company works together through a process known as Collective Creation so that every company member has taken on a number of different production roles to piece the play together as a unit. For example, Jani Jung '07 will not only be acting in the play, but has also designed the lighting for the entire production. Andy Bolduc '10 and Elana Cogliano '09 are acting in the play and also were the sound designers. Under the direction of Meagan Berg '07, the company has forged a cohesive production that incorporates the ideas and goals of every company member, building a strong sense of community.
A comedic drama set in Niagara Falls, Wonder of the World deals with themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and identity through the eyes of seven zany characters all struggling to stay afloat in a world of materialism and chaos. While the themes are serious and the meaning important, the play is actually a comedy, and Lindsay-Abaire keeps the audience laughing with surprise at every new delightful twist.
Keeping with the project's goal of encouraging attendance from both the Colby and Waterville communities, the play will have four showings in the Studio Theater. The limited seating capacity will make for an intimate atmosphere. The company's desire is to further strengthen the bond between the Colby art community and that of Waterville.
Beyond the four performances, the company of Wonder will be offering theater workshops especially designed during the rehearsal process for local Waterville youth. Through these workshops in late April, the company hopes to strengthen the ties between the Colby theater scene and Waterville, share personal experiences and knowledge with students, and foster the growth of a local young arts community.
This idea of community is essential to the production and has been incorporated throughout the process. The company works together through a process known as Collective Creation so that every company member has taken on a number of different production roles to piece the play together as a unit. For example, Jani Jung '07 will not only be acting in the play, but has also designed the lighting for the entire production. Andy Bolduc '10 and Elana Cogliano '09 are acting in the play and also were the sound designers. Under the direction of Meagan Berg '07, the company has forged a cohesive production that incorporates the ideas and goals of every company member, building a strong sense of community.
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