Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Culture

Students rehearse in Rice Auditorium [Click to enlarge]

Love, lust and loss are all things that we have experienced in our life. The play "Private Eyes" spoke perfectly all three of these emotions. Plus, if you want to get a few giggles and kicks from some of the props then this is the play for you. There was a "live gunshot" in this play. It was only a toy cap gun, but nonetheless it scared me when it went off. The play was located in the black box theater, and the small space added to the intimacy of the atmosphere.

The acting began shaky and it seemed like the actors' nerves were holding them back, making them unable to focus on their characters. However, as the play progressed, it took hold and the audience began to feel for the characters. One-quarter of the way into the play the acting started to stabilize and the spectacular was born. I became immersed and forgot I was watching a play; I felt I was peeking in on real life. As the show continued, I was drawn deeper and deeper, sympathizing for each character and their emotions being poured out in front of me.

The actors did an excellent job in the portrayal of their characters. Each one was eventually able to center his or her character and sustain it. There was no technical issue, awkwardness or fear on the stage once the actors hit their stride. The set was minimalistic but ideal for the five characters that it held. The only issue was the disproportionate area to the audience alotted. The large stage and small house caused the actors and audience to get in each other's way more than once. The small room to maneuver at times put the actors in their own way as well, blocking themselves from the audience's view.

The play was a wonderful selection for this cast. This play provided a good laugh and some quick drama. For six dollars it was relaxing and a great escape from reality and the never ending homework. This play's run at Western is over, but if you can find it being performed by a cast half as good as this cast was, I recommend you all see it. Overall it was a great play and a great production by the students and it definitely ended with a bang.•

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