Collegio Online

Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: After Hours

Media Credit: photos by Teresa Gawrych In shock, Marisol, portrayed by Michelle Rhoades,right, sophomore in communication, asks Lenny, (Linden Little) where he got the apple, during the second dress rehearsal for "Marisol." "Marisol" will open at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6.

Media Credit: Teresa Gawrych/Collegio Running his golf club along her face, Ross Stone, left, sophomore in communication, threatens Marisol, portrayed by Michelle Rhoades, sophomore in communication, while riding the subway.

Media Credit: Teresa Gawrych/Collegio Lenny, portrayed by Linden Little, looks at his sculpture and explains the meaning behind it, during a dress rehearsal, Tuesday night, March 4, in the PSU Theater.

Gil Cooper says that "Marisol," the latest PSU Theater production, tackles some tough but important issues.

"It deals with a lot of the negative, dark aspects that we see in our culture," said Cooper, a communication instructor and director of the play. "A lot of those might not be exhibited in the play, but they're certainly talked about. And at the heart of this play is that we have to have compassion for other people. We're really numb to all the horrific events around us."
"Marisol," an apocalyptic urban fantasy written by Jose Rivera about the search for compassion on Earth, will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8, at the Grubbs Hall Theatre.

The play tells the story of Marisol Perez, a young professional who numbly lives a fearful modern life in the dangerous Bronx neighborhood of her childhood. Marisol is joyful to discover her guardian angel until the angel informs her that she can no longer serve as Marisol's protector because she is leading the Heavenly Hierarchy in a revolution against God.

While the play has a religious backdrop, Cooper says "Marisol" is not about religion. It is a deeply spiritual play, but at its heart it is about people connecting with other people.

Cooper says the play is intended for mature audiences only and has a suggested rating of "R" for strong language, violence and adult situations.

"A lot of the characters are in a very raw form, so the language follows suit with that," Cooper said. "There's threatened violence."

One of the characters who is in particularly raw form is June, a skinhead to be played by Megan Stoneberger, senior in communication education.

"Scenes where I do play the Nazi are challenging because I'm not the toughest person I know, to say the least,"
Stoneberger said. "I think not having hair will make me feel less feminine and more aggressive."

Stoneberger shaved her head completely bald and had fake tattoos applied for the role.
Cooper says that dedication like Stoneberger showed by shaving her head was necessary to bring "Marisol's" characters to life.

"It is an intense play, and it's tough on those actors, and they truly stepped up to the challenge and are doing a great job," Cooper said.

Tickets are $8 for the general public, $6 for faculty and staff, $5 for those under 17 and over 65, and free for PSU students with a valid ID. Tickets are available at the PSU Ticket Office in the Overman Student Center or at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain. Reservations are encouraged.

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