For those who love the theater, Fresno City College’s latest production, “Mauritius”; a play written by the Pulitzer Prize nominated dramatist Theresa Rebeck and directed by theater instructor Charles Erven, is set to open this Friday at the FCC Main Stage Theatre.
“Mauritius” tells the story of two sisters operating the stamp shop they’ve inherited. While stamps may seem like a simple subject, it’s the value of one stamp in particular that comes into focus. The rare and coveted, “Blue Mauritius” stamp sets the plot in motion.
To collect this stamp, the main characters and nearly everyone else in the story begin a dirty and underhanded campaign to out-con each other. Over the course of the play, the audience is shown that anything, even a tiny square of paper, can corrupt women and men alike.
“This is one of the greatest plays I’ve ever been involved with,” says student actor, John Hansen. “I think this is a great piece of art.”
Hansen, a theater major, is getting ready to leave next July for New York. Since this is perhaps his last performance in Fresno, he is especially enthusiastic about this upcoming play.
“Everyone’s really excited,” said production stage manager, Mary Romero. “I enjoy watching the relationships grow, seeing how things come together from being a rambling mess into a really concise product.”
Anyone who has ever been in theater can relate to the feeling. From the chaos of auditions, callbacks and opening rehearsals comes a molding phase of cast and crew members.
Familiarity spreads to create a perfect team. Although “Mauritius” showcases 90 minutes of entertainment for the audience, those in attendance are watching the fruit of months of frustrating setbacks that have transformed into incredible theater and camaraderie.
This bond appears to be at the very heart of the theater team. If this is an indicator of the play’s final outcome, students can expect “Mauritius” to be one of Fresno City College’s best productions of the year.
General admission costs $14 and $12 for students, staff and seniors.
Upcoming performances are to be held on Oct. 5, 6, 10-13 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct 7 and 13 at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact the FCC Theatre Box Office at 559-442-8221.
Tickets to “Mauritius” are available at the box office and www.fresnocitycollege.edu/boxofficetickets.
