Union College News

The plot keeps twisting in Union's production
of "An Act of the Imagination"

Nick at Night isn't the only place where Bernard Slade's work can be seen. Even though this author is best known for writing some of television's most popular sitcoms, his work extends beyond that known to television viewers and into the realm of Broadway hits and Academy Award nominated screen plays.

"The Flying Nun," "The Partridge Family," and "Bewitched," are some of Slade's most recognizable work as a television writer. As a playwright, Slade produced the popular "Fatal Attraction," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and countless other notable works.

Currently Slade's work as a playwright can be seen Union College's Rector Little Theatre. Theatre players are performing Slade's two-act play, "An Act of the Imagination."

Slade couldn't have realized that "An Act of the Imagination," would stand the test of time crossing over cultural barriers decades after he had written it. With the recent popularity of the British television hit, "MI5," in America, Union's production of Slade's timeless story of murder and mystery, peppered with references to British secret service, is at the height of today's entertainment trends.

The play opens in the living room of a typical English country home with the leading roles of Arthur and Julia Putnam enjoying an easy afternoon of tea and conversation. Arthur, a successful mystery novelist has completed his first romance novel and Julia has just finished reading it.

These two main character's opening performance set the play up for impending success. Arthur, played by Corbin native Nick Harris and Julia, played by Laura Love, also from Corbin, superbly portray upper class English socialites.

The element of suspense and anticipation begin to appear as these characters personalities form. The somewhat bumbling nature of Arthur and haughtiness of Julia are characteristics each possess and become more complex as the play progresses.

Another complex character, Simon, played by Union student Danny Nettleton is the free-spirited son of Arthur. Nettleton's character transforms from somewhat scatter-brained into manipulating as Slade introduces intricate plot twists in Act 2 of the play.

New to the Union College Theatre is student Autumn Hicks. Hick's performance as Brenda, a character designed to be the demise of Arthur was stunning. Her convincing portrayal as Arthur's lover and basis for his romance novel was ingenious. The actresses' performance was key to holding the audience in suspense, wondering where the truth could be found in the elemental idiosyncrasies of this mystery.

Other notable performances come from student John Howard. Howard introduces the audience to Sergeant Fred Burchitt, a seemingly simple-minded detective who becomes a key player in solving the mystery. Elisha Comer, another Union student plays the supporting character of Holly Adams, Arthur's literary agent and student Brooke Carmichael plays the supporting character of Christina Frederick.

This play has more plot twists and turns than one could imagine. Suspense and mystery abound, the audience is left reeling from another and yet another intriguing development in the mystery of murder? Or could it be a mystery without murder.

For those looking for an intriguing plot, then "An Act of the Imagination" is something to see. The play is in the second week of performance at Union College's Rector Little Theatre beginning this Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, 2005. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Union College Bookstore.

March 3, 2005

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