The Online Reflector

The University of Indianapolis theatre department recently debuted “Funny Valentines” as the dinner production for the 2011-2012 season.

Sophomore chemistry and theatre major Ross Percell and senior theatre major Arianne Villareal portray writing duo Andy and Ellen Robbins in this production. Photo contributed by Jim Ream

According to director Brad Wright, the theatre department thought “Funny Valentines” seemed like a sweet, whimsical play that would appeal to a broad audience.

“We’ve done some pretty straightforward farces for the past several Dinner Theatre productions,” Wright said.  “We felt it was time to pull back a bit and go with more of a romantic comedy.”

Written by D.R. Andersen, “Funny Valentines” centers around a children’s book illustrator named Andy Robbins.  Andy decides to win back his ex-wife, who doubles as his former writing partner, but he runs into two obstacles along the way.  He finds out that his ex-wife Ellen is eight months pregnant with his child, and he is being pursued by another woman.  Sophomore chemistry and theatre major Ross Percell plays Andy and said that both he and his character are similar.

“I love being able to play such a goofy character who tries not to be fazed by anything major,” Percell said. “I have never played a character so similar to my actual characteristics in real life, so that is a fun challenge.”

Since the production took place in the dining hall, there were a few stage difficulties that the cast and crew had to overcome.

“The lighting is always a challenge because of the restricted number of lighting instruments we can use and the restricted places [where] we can put the lights,” Wright said. “The scene designer has to create an environment that is very, very wide, but very shallow.”

The acoustics also were another challenge that the cast had to face.  Wright said that the actors were working in a space that was not very well-equipped acoustically.

“They [the cast] really have to project their voices and enunciate very clearly,” Wright said. “Although it’s a big challenge, we really feel that it is a good learning experience for all of our student actors, designers and technicians.”

Despite the challenges, the cast members enjoyed working together in the production. Sophomore theatre major Alexis Damron played Zan Wilkinson, the woman who is pursuing Andy. She said she liked working with a small cast.

“Since ‘Funny Valentines’ was such a small cast, we all spent a lot of time together,” Damron said. “It was my first main stage show, so it was a lot of work, but definitely a very enjoyable process.”

Wright also said that he enjoyed working with the students who were a part of the cast and crew of “Funny Valentines.”

“Although this group is relatively young and inexperienced, they have really pulled together.  I’m very proud of the work everyone has done,” Wright said.  “It’s a charming script, and the whole company has really brought it to life for the audience.”

Sophomore human biology major Michele Miller  said that “Funny Valentines” was her favorite show thus far.

“What I liked best was seeing it with my friends and having dinner with them,” she said. “I would definitely recommend it.”