“The School for Scandal ”

[Written by William Brinsley Sheridan, Directed by Sue Trigg ]
Playing: April 18 — May 10, 2008

Director Sue Trigg has set Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The School for Scandal, his successful 18^th century comedy of manners, in the 1930s, a time whose social cynicism was not unlike the era when the play was first produced. This final production of Role Players’ 2007/ 2008 season offers a unique and highly entertaining insight into the beginnings of modern theatre. [Rehearsal photo at left are: l-r Kathryne Davidson (Lady Teazle), Paul Plain (Snake), Candy Campbell (Crabtree); Melynda Kiring (Mrs Candour), Michael Sally (Joseph Surface)]

The School for Scandal is both comic and telling in its relentless and scathing portrait of high society in the 18^th century. Virtue is shown to be vice, and vice versa, and in language that is almost pure poetry. Even the characters’ names speak volumes – Lady Sneerwell and Mr. Snake, for example. The sense of the play is reflected in one of its earliest passages, where Lady Sneerwell says: “I cannot deny the pleasure I get from spreading slander… I have known no pleasure equal to reducing others to the level of my own reputation”.

“At a time when we seem to have rediscovered our guilty love of gossip and scandal, Sheridan’s play is surprisingly relevant” said Sue Trigg “I am proud to complete my first season as RPE’s Artistic Director with this sparkling, classic comedy. We are setting a new standard for RPE productions this season with Ruthless, The Musical, Bus Stop, and now The School for Scandal”.

Trigg has added director’s laurels to acting in the last five years of a forty year career on the stage, and enjoys it as much (if not more) than acting. “I love watching the characters grow on stage” she said. She has directed critically acclaimed productions of Nuts, Death of a Salesman and Mornings at Seven all at Altarena Playhouse, along with her own Thinderella and Aladdin.

The School for Scandal features mother and daughter actors Jill and Kate Davidson (last seen in RPE’s Black Box production of Talking with…) as Careless and Lady Teazle, while John Blytt, last seen in high heels and furs in RPE’s Ruthless, the Musical! plays Sir Peter Teazle. Chris Chapman, last seen in RPE’s Bus Stop as Professor Lyman, plays Sir Oliver Surface while Candy Campbell plays the male role of Crabtree, complete with mustache. Melyenda Kiring, also a talented scenic painter, plays Mrs. Candour [Photo at left: Melyndra Kiring (Mrs Candour) Michael Sally (Joseph Surface)]. (Read reviews)

Edward Hightower returns as set designer for The School for Scandal after his outstanding design for Bus Stop. Costume design is by Lisa Danz who has worked extensively with regional theatres in the area.

Sue has been on stage since the age of 8, and for over 25 years acting and directing in the Bay Area. A native limey she lives in Alameda, and is proud to be RPE’s new Artistic Director.

Danville website: Town of Danville and Role Players Ensemble