Community Corner
Inver Hills Students Perform in "The Servant of Two Masters"
What happens when Monty Python meets Shakespeare? Find out when you attend this IHCC production.
Director George M. Roesler has an easy answer to the question why people should come see Inver Hills Community College's production of “The Servant of Two Masters.”
“It’s very funny,” said Roesler.
The play, an Italian farce originally written in 1745, could be compared to the comedy works of Mel Brooks, Monty Python, Rowan Atkinson and Ricky Gervais, both Roesler and student actors involved in the production said.
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The play opens on Feb. 18, with subsequent performances on Feb. 19, Feb. 25 and Feb. 26. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theater at Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights
"The Servant of Two Masters" is directed by Roesler, a theater instructor at Inver Hills, and stars students Paul Proto as Truffaldino, Elaina Zimmerman as Beatrice and James Christianson as Florindo.
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The comical farce follows the story of Truffaldino, who faces problematic complications while simultaneously acting as a servant for two different masters.
Written by an 18th-century playwright named Goldoni, the play is a scripted version of Commedia Dell'arte — a type of improvisational comedy that blossomed in 16th-century Italy. Commedia Dell'arte, Roesler said, is known for its easily-recognizable, stock characters and its indulgence of slapstick comedy.
“What Goldoni did was write a really witty script to go along with that physical comedy," Roesler said.
“It’s off-the-wall comedy with a lot of crazy characters every time you look up,” said Proto. “It’s a fun environment and good theater."
The production also features Inver Hills students Victor Bartosiewicz as Pantalone, Melissa Mike as Clarice, David Jackson as Silvio, Augusta McMonigal as Smeraldina, Anna Jo Miller as Brighella, Logan Raycraft as Pedrolino, Andrew Wells as Pulcinella and IHCC sociology instructor Dave Berger as Doctor Lombardi.
The highlights of the production, cast members said, are the swordfight and a dinner scene featuring the ever-hungry Truffaldino.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and free to Inver Hills students, and are available for purchase at the doors.