Kyra Freedman

Nic Seyffert
Production Project
December 9, 2013
Time Period: We knew that we wanted to keep it within the time period that
Bill Irwin had set. We were originally thinking the 1910-40s but we decided
on the 30s because we thought of vaudeville and the styles of shows that
were taking place during that time period. We also thought of Charlie Chaplin
and his influence on the comedic scene, which helped us solidify our time
period.
Theatre: We knew that this show had a lot of running around and popping
out of places in the theatre. We realized that proscenium theatres would
work best because we could have use of the isles. The stage is also large
enough and straight forward enough for a simple set that everyone would be
able to see.
Set: The set for this show needed to be simple but with a lot of functionality.
We thought of having one large building with tons of windows. We kept that
idea but modified it after our meeting with Marianne. We decided to have
alcoves and pieces of the set that pop out to creative hiding spaces for
actors to hide in and then enter the scene. Behind the flat wall are platforms
and staircases so the actors can get to and from the different levels while
still being able to open the windows and use them as blocking in the show.
We decided to have a trap door that looked like a door on the floor that can
be used as a second way of entering a scene. We also decided to have one
large trunk on the stage that contained all of the props needed for the show.
The actors will be able to dig through the prop trunk and use the trunk as
needed during the show.
Costumes: The costumes were interesting. The mens costumes were very
straightforward; suit pants, vests, button ups, ties, and top hats. Argante
and his son are dressed very similarly to show the family, and that same
format is taken with Geronte and his son. The girls costumes were very
different and a bit more difficult to decide upon. Zerbinette is classified as a
gypsy, and to keep it with the 1930s style we figured gypsy as a seductress
or a more seductive character. Her dress needed to have rich colors to show
that she was not from the city, but the fabric needed to be of lower quality
because gypsies arent high on the social ladder. Hyacinths costume needed
to fit her personality. She is not as seductive as Zerbinette, she is innocent
and she is a little quirky. She comes from a bit more money than Zerbinette.
Her costume is a simple dress, tulle in the skirt and soft in color to match her
personality. Nerines costume was fun to design. She is the Nursemaid or
woman servant to Hyacinth. I took inspiration for Nerines costume from
Mary Poppins, skirt, blouse, vest, and red tie at the neck. It is mature and

simple, but also shows that the family she is watching over does have some
money.
Lights/Sound:
History: The original show was called Les Fourberies De Scapin and was
written by French playwright Moliere. The title character, Scapin, is modeled
after the Scapino archetype. The scapino archetype is a character from
Commedia Dellarte. The name means to escape since that character flees
from fights even if he had a hand in starting them. The character was dated
in the 16th century, and the creator is often named as Niccolo Barbieri. The
original show premiered in May of 1671 in Paris. The show was often
adapted, but the script and set up has stayed generally the same even
though the languages change. Bill Irwin Adapted this version of the script.
He played the title role when it was first performed. The way that he
adapted the script allowed him to integrate the clowning he learned with
Barnum and Baileys Circus. Bill Irwin is also known for the vaudeville style
performances. The Vaudeville type of show often has many parts of different
acts that are all under the same bill. The fact that this script brings so
many different types of conflict makes it a vaudeville style script that Irwin is
known for.
Dream Cast:
Robin Williams as Scapin
Ryan Gosling as Leandre
Josh Hutcherson as Ocave
Sir Ian McKellan as Geronte
Patrick Stewart as Argante
Jennifer Lawrence as Hyacinth
Scarlett Johansson as Zerbinette
Jon Cryer as Sylvestre
Elizabeth Banks as Nerine
The cast was picked because each of the actors has a comedic value to
them. They all have done comedic roles and yet they are more than their
comedy. All of the actors are able to play serious roles. Hutcherson is very
timid, where as Gosling is more forward. Scarlett Johansson is more of a
seductress and Jennifer Lawrence is more of a quirky character. Robin
Williams and Jon Cryer are both able to play comedic relief in shows, which
makes them perfect for the servants. Sir Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart
are funny actors who work well together. Elizabeth Banks has proved herself
to be able to act as a Maternal or a caretaker Character since working on
the Hunger Games Series. She also works well with Jennifer Lawrence and
Josh Hutcherson since those actors were also in that series.
Scenes:

Act 1 scene 5
To Scapin
You are trying to distract Argante from hitting Sylvestre. As always you are
being as witty as possible, and should put sass into every joke, but not too
much that Argante would catch on.
To Sylvestre
You are in pain and you are scared and are clinging to Scapin to save you.
You start copying what he says because you think that what he's saying will
stop the beatings because Scapin is smart.
To Argante
You are pissed. Your son took it upon himself to get married when you were
going to arrange his marriage. You're also pissed at Sylvestre for letting this
happen, because he was supposed to be watching over your son. You are
trying to figure out what to do. You are very stubborn and continue to argue
with Scapin until you've had enough. You are the headstone of this scene.
The scene
The beginning of the scene should start loud and get to a normal level as
they talk. It should begin at a normal pace and speed up towards the end
until Argente ends the conversation. At this point he should deliver the line
at a normal pace. This scene is an introductory scene, all we should know
about Argente is that he's the father and he's pissed.
Act 2 scene 9 (doing this one in class)
To everyone
This scene is supposed to be 100% outrageous. Nothing about this scene is
serious, it is fun, fast paced, and exciting. Lots of running. The only way to
block this scene is one step at a time. Go from direction to direction and
work things out as we go. Walk through it and then break things down into
sections.
You needed three scenes and needed to say why they were chosen.
Kyra and Nic-

There were many strong elements of this project. You scenic design is great
and shows an understanding of the flexibility needed in a show like this. I
would have liked to see some color on your sketch. The truck idea and the
use of a live pianist are great additions to your concept..
The costumes were interesting. They were in style, but needed to be
daywear. The gypsy thing would be played up in a show like this. Think I Love
Lucy. The color coding is great. It could be done with little elementshandkerchiefs and head scarves, in addition to vests and dresses. So the
family affinity gets to be more and more obvious as the play goes along.
Your presentation gave a pretty good overview of the play- A more detailed
blow by blow would help. You included a good history of the character- but
as I noted in your individual write ups you did not go into who Moliere was or
much about Irwin.
Nic your written pieces have potential - I put notes in that document (making
note of the lack of clarity about what directors notes are- my fault)
The Dramaturgy part was supposed to be more of a research project- and
should have included information about Molire, commedia, the history of
the Irwin production, perhaps notes of reviews etc.
Grade
Project design and in- class A
Written parts BFinal grade B+