Just in time for the lover’s holiday, Loyola’s theatre department is staging a “dramedy” that laughs at the world and relationships.

Deemed as “the anti-date” by director Artemis Preeshl, The Scene, an ironic play, runs from February 10 through February 14 at 8 pm, and February 15 at 2 pm in the Lower Depths Theatre.

This contemporary piece, written by television writer Theresa Rebeck, uses an interesting approach to address several adult issues.

The play, which debuted in New York in early 2007 with Tony Shalhoub (from the television series Monk), has a plot Preeshl said that focuses on “the power that springs from having an approved project,”

The Scene is a story of a married man, his best friend, the girl that comes into both of their lives and the show business world they live in.

“Infidelity is touched upon in the most outrageous way,” said Preeshl.

The play traces the path of addiction, especially alcoholism, and its effects on personal, family and professional life. Other topics include social climbing and its aftermath, falling from grace and the fickleness of fame, Preeshl said.

 The word ‘surreal’ is also ironically said throughout the play which is written like a classical tragedy, but with the energy of a sitcom.

Preeshl invites lonely hearts and happy couples alike to come see the play. She is considering ideas for the play to host a stag night showing, a night for ladies and a night for guys, and a couples night.
The play’s contemporary, urban values are progressive with unexpected, content endings, but is not a comfortable show for couples with  past relationship problems.

The show is also, uniquely set on a double-trush stage; a new move by the department.

Theater senior Andrew De La Pena will play lead character Charlie. Theater junior Rebecca Hollingsworth will play Stella, and theatre freshman Sarah Stout and mass communication freshman Rolando Lopez will play the supporting roles of Clea and Lewis.

Garrett Cleland can be reached at [email protected].