This is theater for people who don't like theater.
According to Jon Zelasko, that is exactly what his production offers. Zelasko, a junior theater major, has written and directed his own play, Horace, which will be shown at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located in the Ellicott Complex.
The play is entirely student-run, with a six-student cast and production crew. Horace is the story of a man named Jeremy going through a difficult period in his life. His girlfriend has passed away, and he tries to cope with the loss while trying to move on in his life. Jeremy must learn how to balance his past with the present, a theme that many can relate to.
"This show is able to transcend to everyone," said Joe Ferraro, a media study productions major who also stars in the show. "[It is relatable] without being ‘ham-fested' and is relatable to the mindset of college students."
Zelasko wanted to create a story that is unique and unlike the usual "happiness" that he has seen in musical theater productions that audiences are drawn to.
"Musical theater is nice, but it is happy all of the time," Zelasko said. "I don't see myself going around and singing all of the time. I wanted to push boundaries that you usually don't see."
Zelasko took a unique approach with his script and allowed his cast to improvise. After starting with a concrete script, Zelasko let the actors work in their own unique takes on the story. He filmed every rehearsal of the production and changed his script with which interactions worked and which didn't.
In addition, the entire first scene is almost completely improvised, creating a different experience each time the play is acted out. According to Zelasko, this adds to the "realness" of the story and allows the audience members to view the cast as people they would normally meet.
"[The audience can] expect to limbo, a little music, and stuff is going to break during this show and it might be your heart," said Kirk Stevens, a senior media studies major who stars as Jeremy.
Student productions are not uncommon in the theater department. Each semester, two or three student productions are shown with the help of the theater department in the Katharine Cornell Theatre.
Students interested in this opportunity must submit a proposal to the theater department season selection committee and must be enrolled in a major within the department.
Zelasko's production is unique because it is entirely student-generated, while most selections are productions that are already written and produced. Zelasko chose a mentor within the theatre department who advised him through the entire production process. Susan Anner, an adjunct instructor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, believes in Zelasko's potential as a playwright and agreed to help with his experience.
"This is a workshop production, which is an important element in the development of new plays. In this, Jon is directing, as well as having written his play," Anner said. "Through this process, he is seeing his script come to life and is able to make revisions throughout the rehearsal process. He and his cast are doing a great job and I believe UB students will enjoy seeing his play."
Zelasko is thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to produce his own play. He believes that his ensemble is the best he's ever seen, and, as a whole, they are all excited to be a part of such a "cool, new experience."
"The beauty of the show is that it will hit every nerve that you have. [It's] Toy Story 3 for adults," said Curtis LoFaro, a sophomore theatre performance major who stars in the production.
Horace runs March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Katharine Cornell Theatre. The show is open to all students and is free.
For more information, contact Jon Zelasko at jzelasko@buffalo.edu.
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
