Friday, April 13, 1C34
Pago 12
Dally Ncbrcskan
NDT plays provide a night of laughter
Review by Eric Peterson
"An Evening of Absurdity at the
Nebraska Directors' Theatre is wond
erful, crisply performed fun. The Actor 's
Nightmare by Christopher Durang,
Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett
not absurd or farcical, but a good,
somewhat serious interval in the eve
ning and Eugene Ionesco's Painting
are all good choices and are well and
individually directed. They show at the
Nebraska Directors' Theatre, 421 S.
Ninth St., Suite 112, tonight and Sat
urday at 8 p.m.
The Actor's Nightmare, directed by
Cassie Moore, is a nice companion
piece to the Christopher Durang play,
Beyond Therapy, showing at the UNL
Studio Theatre this weekend. George
Spelvin, played by Matthew Earl Reil, is
an actor who finds himself in what
would be a dream situation for many
actors he's wanted for too many
parts. Reil and Cil Stengel, playing a
production assistant, rush in from
opposite directions.
George's astonishment increases
when Sarah Siddons, expertly played
by Lis Kerekes, tells him the play is not
Beckett but Noel Coward. Their scene
starts, Kerekes, at a fake balustrade,
trying to carry on withering repartee
with a partner who doesn't know the
lines and wearing a period Hamlet
coat.
Kerekes is a pleasure to watch, with
the forced theatricality appropriate to
an actor playing an actor playing a
tough socialite. Kerekes goes into a
floating brittle laugh as she gamely
tries to parry George's lame responses
to her leading questions. Timing is the
most important thing in a play of witty
dialogue, and George is slowly sinking
the ship. Stengel hurries in several
times, dressed as a maid, to feed George
his lines. At one point, she nods at the
audience with the smile of perfect
command she knows her job even if
the leading man doesn't.
Suddenly George discovers the play
is Hamlet audibly moans in agony,
trips and scurries around to follow the
spotlights of Hamlet's soliloquy, or tries
to answer the speeches of Henry Irv
ing, played by Tim Ganser. His own
desperate speeches are mangled Sha
kespeare and reminiscences of his
Catholic education he's since given
up religion for accounting.
George's confusion grows as even
the other characters begin to warp; he
finds himself not in Waiting for Godot,
but Waiting for Lefty (it's political),
playing opposite Pamela Kenney, who
blithely reads her own stage direc
tions. "Pause smile pause ... He
(Lefty) is exhausting. He's worse than
Jane Fonda." This neo-Beckett is done
with George and his merry friend
squatting in plastic garbage cans,
George seeming to give up his resist
ance to what he hopes is only a night
mare. He now finds himself the Man
For All Seasons, as Kerekes plays his
wife and Stengel hilariously and wood
enly reads her lines from a book, pedan
tic glasses on and pen in hand. The
executioner Michael McAlister kicks
apart a box to reveal the chopping
block, and all cajole George into going
along with the execution.
Krapp s Last Tape, directed by Lind
say Reading Korth, is Charlie Bach
mann's virtuoso performance. Every
action conveys the exhaustion and
bemusement of the 69-year-old char
acter, who has reached the point when
he can throw his banana peels where
he wants.
The short play moves from a comic
opening to a more and more serious
tone as Krapp listens to tapes he made
on past birthdays, including one at 39,
when he was at his intellectual peak
or so he felt then but already was
saying his best years were gone. Bach
mann's derisive chuckling is the per
fect commentary to the idealism or
self-deceiving despair of his past. His
constant switching of the tape at cru
cial points teases the audience and his
building emotion as the tape goes on is
moving. "The best years gone ... I
wouldn't want them back. I wouldn't
want them back."
Dean Baker's production of The
Painting by Eugene Ionesco is a grand
and strange adventure for someone
who's never encountered the play
before. It seems to reach several per
fectly acceptable stopping places, then
find new flights, until what matters in
the senseless but very dramatic ending
is the pure theater.
Charles Bell is grand as an indus
trialist who wants to buy the work of a
painter played by William W. Korth.
Instead of a pinstripe, the Large Gen
tleman is interpreted as positively
sleazy, like an insurance salesman who
preaches on the side. Bell's wide lapels,
wide tie, wide open eyes and barrac
uda smile are, uh, sort of electrifying,
as he chases the artist around the
room in his rolling chair.
Alexis Reisig, as his sister Alice, has
infinite contempt for the painting he
gyps the painter of which is, after
all, only a sheet of tin foil. Reisig's voice
gets a pretty scary ragged edge as she
turns out to be the dominant one in a
household obsessed with power. He
shoots her and gets ready to shoot his
neighbor, played by Joette M. Pelster,
who giggles idiotically at the drama of
it all. This is the play in which we get
Ionesco's penetrating insight "Art is
the opium of the people; so is life."
Reagan leaks secret Mexican invasion plan
As the last exciting episode came to a conclusion,
Celeste, Harley, Addison, Otis and Antoinette were
eagerly awaiting the arrival of their guests, Ronald
and Nancy. Today, we shall see what manner of
people their guests really are.
"My dear Nancy, your dress is lovely," Antoinette
said between mouthfuls of cavier. "I had no idea
Mary Louise
; Krtapp
burlap sacks were in fashion at the White House this
year."
Mrs. Reagan turned as pink as the boiled shrimp
on her plate.
"Why thank you, Miss Chateaubriand " she said.
"Actually, it's made of Japanese silk. But since you've
spent most of your life, as I understand, in the out
back of Nebraska, you may be forgiven your ig
norance." While Antoinette and the First Lady continued
sparring, Celeste struck up a conversation with the
president.
"It was very kind of you to attend our humble
dinner, Mr. President," she said.
"I am honored to be in the company of such a
distinguished opponent," the president said courte
ously. "You are certainly better looking than any of
those Democrats. By the way, what party are you
affiliated with? I was asleep when it was announced."
"Oh, I'm an Independent, sir," Celeste said. "Would
you care for more wine?"
"No, I'm not a drinking man," he replied.
"Oh, that's too bad," Celeste said, pouring herself a
generous glass of Chablis. "You're missing half the
fun in life, you know."
"Madame Underwood " Reagan said earnestly, "I
have followed your campaign sporadically since it
began. Thus far, I am confused by your stand on
several of the more important issues. In fact, it
appears you have no opinion on foreign policy,
nuclear arms, or applie pie. Can you enlighten me?"
"I am not fond of apple pie or nuclear arma
ments," Celeste said with dignity. "I think the coun
try would be much better without them. As for for
eign policy, I always say 'Never invade a country
bigger than your own.' "
Reagan, mellowed by the Perrier and carrot
sticks, chuckled warmly.
"Now that's the kind of attitude I like!" he said.
"Well, maybe not your stand on our friend the bomb.
We might be needing him when we send troops into
Mexico next week Oh, my! You hadn't heard
about that? Our security system must be working
pretty well."
Celeste concealed her shock behind several heap
ing spoonfuls of potatoes au gratin. The president
adroitly changed the subject.
"My dear, to what do you attribute your over
whelming and altogether unexpected success in
politics?" he asked her.
"Well, mostly to the play ethic my parents taught
me," Celeste said. "Whenever us kids bothered them
too much, they told us to go out and play. I've been
doing it ever since."
"You you didn't get here by hard work?" Reagan
said, feeling another cherished illusion crumble.
"Nope. Once I get into office, I'm going to encour
age Congress to pass a law forbidding people to -
work more than six hours a week. The American
people need to enjoy themselves! Of course, I'm y
going to push for free education for everyone, so,
they can use their leisure time properly."
Reagan looked more and more unhappy. "Didn't
you ever see any of my movies. Or any John Wayne
pictures? Not even one?
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
CALL 472-1761
.
. zzzrr. 3
Sharp Ford-Pinto $1,000. One owner.
476-2583 weekends or after 5 weekdays.
Ask for Doug H.
1977 PORSCHE 911S COUPE
MINT CONDITION
SERIOUS CALLS FOR DETAILS
464-6261.464-1995
"JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING"
For sale: 1957 Chevy Belair 4-door.
New tires, new original paint, partially
new interior, needs only a few finishing
touches. Drive it anywhere. Looks and
runs great. Call after 3 p.m. 475-9125.
OLYMPUS OM-150 mm Lens doubler
TRS-80 pocket computer. Cassette Inter
face. Best offer. 423-1325.
25" Black Bianchi, $225. Mark,
489-5746.
78 Honda 350 XL, dependable, good
condition & mileage. Best offer. 421-2456. -
1961 LTD 550 Kawasaki. Under 7.000
actual miles. Excellent condition. Call
after 6:00 p.m. 474-2323.
Near East Campus. Newly remodeled
two bedroom basement apartment. $350
with all utilities paid. Call 464-5148 or
474-1344, ext. 2S8.
Summer Sublease. Spacious 2 bedroom
wair conditioning, balcony, appliances
and offstreet parking. 35th & Huntington.
Call 466-8952.
1717J
1 bedroom apartment
Off-street parking, laundry, heat paid.
$160 plus deposit.
466-3411
Don't haul it home and then haul it all
back again next fall. Store your goods at
Infinity Storage. 475-2464.
Summer Sublease
Two bedroom, pool. Move in after finals.
20th & G. 476-1839, $319month.
WHATS A "CLUSTER LEASE7"
If you don't know, you are paying too
much rentl Call APARTMENT FINDERS
and savel
435-5555
A service of Joseph E. Kean Co.
Large frames varied sizes and
prices. Great for posters or art work.
Call 472-0703.
CHI PHI FRATERNITY
SUMMER COED HOUSiNG
For more information, call Jay
Johnson at 477-5541 or 476-7719.
NEED SUMMER HOUSING?
APARTMENT FINDERS
can help youll
435-5555
a service of Joseph Kean Company .
SPECIAL SUMMER LEASES
WILLOWHAVEN APARTMENTS
Get your summer tan by our pool!
1820 - 1842 Knox Street
Sharp 2 bedroom units. Energy effi
cient, close to either campus, carpeted,
all appliances, pool tor summer use.
Deposit, no pets.
476-6230 - Manager
474-1688 - Joseph E. KeanCo.
For rent: 2 bedroom furnished apt., 1
12 baths, walk-in closets, AC, all utili
ties paid, close to campus. Available May
14.477-5196.
Summer sub-lease with option to con
tinue renting. Two bedroom apartment.
Location: 4241 Holdrege. Call 466-1088.
Near East Campus 4200 Huntington.
2 bedroom, fireplace, AC, parking. Call
464-1904.
Near East Campus. 2 bedroom apart
ment. All equipped. Very clean. Summer
or year lease. $315. 433-4600.
Large 1 bedroom near Wilderness Park.
AC, garbage disposal, dishwasher, new
carpet, fireplace, quick to downtown.
$235. 421-2456.
Summer sub-lease. Largs 2 bedroom
apartment. 3331 Holdrege. Available May.
4S7-3735.
ACACIA Summer Housing. Laundry
facilities, kitchen. 475-2242, John Kleider
or Mark Shreve.
One bedroom apt. for rent starting May
1. New, close to campus. 475-3685 after
6. Maureen or Janet.
Valet parking attendant for Saturday
night. Must be at least 23, neat appearing
with good driving record. Apply in per
son at Brittany's, 227 North 9th.
VALENTINO'S
Valentino's is seeking several dining
room & kitchen employees. Positions are
part time, day or evening with several
locations available.
If you are mature, have a strong people
oriented personality with highly deve
loped communication skills and are wil
ling to work to our exacting standards,
apply in person 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p m
Wed , Thurs., or Fri., April 11, 12, 13 at
201 N. Eighth
3rd Floor
Lincoln, Nebraska
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Hey Writers!
The DN needs columnists to write for
the editorial section. Apply now. Room
34, Nebraska Union.
Wanted: Loving babysitter for 7 month
Old daughter. Full-time weekdays. May
14-Auqust 24. Call early evenings.
475-B6o6. "
"CAMP COUNSELORS"
"Outstanding Slim and Trim Down
Camps: Tennis, Dance, Slimnastics, WSI,
Athletics, NutritionDietetics. 20 plus. Se
parate girls' and boys' camps. 7 weeks.
CAMP CAMELOT on COLLEGE CAM
PUSES at Mass., Penn., No. Carolina,
Calif. Send resume: Michele Friedman
Director, 947 Hewlett Dr., No. Woodmere
N Y. 11581. 516-374-0785."
Wanted: Part-time keypunch operator.
CRT experience. Evenings & weekends.
Call 435-7021. Evenings only.
Horticulture majors andor experienced
plant growers & lovers. Plant talk has
openings for 2 p.t. sales people at 14th &
O. Apply in person.
Summer room and board in lovely
home in exchange for care of two darling
pre-schoolers. Caring, enthusiastic, self
starter needed to babysit mornings and
help out! Prefer elementary education or
human development major. References
476-2772, evenings.
SUMMER JOBS
Summer work program for UNL
students in Florida for the summer
The program offers College Credit
$3000 income. Career Experience
and Special Job Placement Service
after graduation. Call Barry, 472
1729 for an appointment.
SUMMER JOBS AVAILABLE IN LIN
COLN, OMAHA, NORTH PLATTE
GRAND ISLAND. KEARNEY HAST
!t3 ?227 N0RF0LK- CALL NOW,
"NEED A JOB THAT FITS AROUND
YOUR SCHEDULE?"
Applications are being taken for the
position of Keystone Student Insurance
Representative at the University Health
Center. The job requires a minimum of 20
hours per week. Please send a letter ol
application andor a resume listing work
experience to the University Health Cen
ter, Room 227. Applications are due Fri
day, April 13. If you have any questions,
please contact Diane Langhorst, the cur
rent student representative, at 472-6000
or Room 103 at the University Health
Center.
Male or female. Part-time afternoon &
evening hours. Apply in person.
Mike's O Street Drive-In
22nd & "O"
DATA ENTRY OPERATORS
Are you interested in working as a Data
Entry Operator in an office on an inter
mittent basis? We are looking for Data
Entry Operators to work during peak
production period only. Our next peak
begins in early April and should run 6-10
weeks. If you have a typing skill of 55
wpm with 5 or less errors, we will train
you to operate a CRT. Work on all shifts is
available. We offer medical, dental, dis
ability, and life insurance; paid holidays
and vacations, along with many other
excellent fringe benefits. We will offer car
pooling assistance to those in outlying
areas. If interested, apply in person.
CAROL WRIGHT SALES
3601 N.W. 15th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska
474-2018
between 8 a m. and 4:30.p.m,
Equal Opportunity Employer
1 1 1 1 1 j I t ; 1 I.