Hot and bothered with 'Betty's Summer Vacation'
By Megan Fishel, Staff Writer
October 17, 2007 | 7:01 p.m.
Those looking for some hot heat in the thick of fall quarter need not look any further. A bit of “Betty’s Summer Vacation,” showing Oct. 17 to Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. in the Elizabeth Evans Baker Theater at Kantner Hall, is sure to hit the spot.
This Ohio University School of Theater production is a comeback hit for playwright Christopher Durang. "Betty's Summer Vacation" is a look into the lives of five people brought together over a summer time share. The events that ensue will leave even the crassest of audience members with their mouths hanging open and a craving in their hearts that will be hard to satisfy.
The role of Betty, wonderfully played by Emily Eaton, is meant to serve as the purity in a world where people are desensitized to sex, violence and the most vulgar forms of chaos. It is refreshing to see Eaton's natural beauty used to represent this idealistic stability instead.
The catalyst of chaos for Betty seems to be her friend Trudy, played by Leah Strasser, and Mrs. Siezmagraff, played by Shelley Delaney, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association and OU faculty member. Both Trudy and Mrs. Siezmagraff bring to the table their own brand of insanity. Their seemingly endless chatter walks the fine line between charming and annoying. Whichever side of the border they are placed on, however, they become dynamic characters by the end of the show.
As for testosterone in this show, there is the meek and creepy character named Keith, played by Mitch Marku. Keith is the type of guy everyone wants to like, but there is something unspoken about him that just forbids it. On the opposite end of the male retrospect is Buck, played by Matt Goins. Buck is the horn dog we all love to hate. His muscles are impressive, but not nearly as impressive as some of the quickie one-liners he has throughout the show.
There is also an unforgettable performance given by Will Jones as Mr. Vanislaw, Mrs. Siezmagraff’s "male friend." This derelict, as he is often referred to, is a representation of the wrong and evil in the world. Jones gives an incredible performance, especially considering he literally looks like he would stink.
Director Dennis Delaney knew exactly what he was getting himself into when he took on this project, even if everyone else involved didn’t. After speaking with set designer Brandon Kirkham about the absurdity of the show, he commented that he didn’t like the script when he read it and felt the show was “unnecessary at first, but opinions change.” The audience seems to feel similar to Kirkham throughout most of the first act, but the tides of opinion seem to turn somewhere in the second act.
Once the metaphorical curtain closed, the audience was able to walk away a bit more enlightened about themselves and the culture in which they live. "Betty's Summer Vacation" could be considered an outlet to inform people of how much they rely on the media, regardless of how worthless and crude the information is that is being forced down their throats. This statement isn’t the only thing that is loud in this show. A gasp when it's least expected, a chuckle at something appropriate, and perhaps the most common, a laugh at something completely inappropriate.
Should everyone go see “Betty’s Summer Vacation” before its too late? It depends on the type of person. This show would be enjoyable for anyone who isn't afraid to examine the obscure or who enjoys being surprised. But if one happens to be faint of heart or easily offended, this show probably isn't the best way to spend an evening.
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Tickets are on sale now at the Kantner Hall box office and are free for Ohio University students. General admission is $10 for adults and $7 for non-OU students and seniors.
For more information about this production or upcoming OU School of Theater productions, visit the OU Fine Arts Web site.