February 16, 2017
SVSU Theatre to stage modern play ‘Really Really’
The Saginaw Valley State University Theatre Department will stage its production of Paul Downs Colaizzo's “Really Really” Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, Feb. 26 in SVSU's Malcolm Field Theatre of Performing Arts.
The play is set on a 21st century college campus, when a group of "Generation Me" college students attend a wild party called 'The Annual Tunnel of Love' where no phones or cameras are allowed. The morning after, the annual bash is filled with gossip, self-interest, and lies. The young adults are put in situations where the ways to get ahead are to betray each other, make stuff up, and cut moral corners.
“It is a play where students can really relate and see themselves and their friends,” said David Rzeszutek, SVSU associate professor of theatre, who is directing the play.
The play includes mature subject matter, similar to an R-rated movie, and Rzesutek's goal is to send an important message to the community.
“This production is extremely modern and controversial,” he said, “and its purpose is to mainly educate the students in the taboo topics that are brought up during the play, including alcohol abuse and sexual assault.”
Rzesutek was worried that older audiences would not enjoy the play due to its extremely modern atmosphere.
“It scared me beyond belief. I was terrified that older audiences would not like it,” he said.
To his surprise, his adult peers also related to the characters and could see themselves in similar situations during their college experience.
“When people leave the theatre, people will still talk about it. It is definitely a conversation starter.”
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 25; there will be a matinee performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. Tickets are $13 for general admission, and $10 for students and seniors. For more information please contact the SVSU box office at (989) 964-4261.
The production is the first of two plays planned for the winter semester at SVSU. “Assassins” by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman is scheduled to be staged in early April.