Ali Schmitz
\nIn Motion Staff Writer<\/p>\n
What is the American dream? Daytona State\u2019s November production of Richard Greenberg\u2019s \u201cThe American Plan\u201d questions the idea, set in the late 1950\u2019s and early 60\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe American Plan,\u201d directed by adjunct theater professor Trevin Cooper, winds a tale of young love in the Catskills.<\/p>\n
Lili Adler (Mary Jeanes) is a 20-year-old woman living with an overbearing and sadistic mother, Eva (Brittney Johnston) and her family\u2019s maid, Olivia (Jerica O\u2019Neal). While sunbathing, an attractive young man (Tyler Burkett) staying at the hotel across the lake trespasses onto her property accidentally. He introduces himself as Nick Lockridge and their relationship progresses, starting as a friendship and transforming into an engagement.<\/p>\n
Throughout their relationship, Eva blackmails Nick, knowing that he\u2019s lying to Lili about his past. The plot line twists further and further until Gil Harbison (Patrick Moffet) arrives in town, a catalyst for the end of Lili and Nick\u2019s relationship.<\/p>\n
In Cooper\u2019s first production with DSC, he\u2019s provided a major change-up in the production value of Daytona State\u2019s shows. His direction and casting of this show is impeccable.<\/p>\n
Jeanes, an alumna of Florida State, transformed into Lili on stage. In a role that can seem fairly cartoonish and surreal, Jeanes\u2019 portrayal of Lili was honest and raw. Her acrobatic experience was played up in the show, delighting audiences with her cartwheels. The final scene of the show provided Jeanes to show her dramatic ability too.<\/p>\n
Johnston\u2019s performance as Eva was done well. Very few people have the ability to change a scene with the subtle lift of an eyebrow. Johnston managed to do that. The only flaw she had was that her accent was difficult to understand on certain words.<\/p>\n
Burkett has vastly improved since last spring\u2019s show, \u201cSummer and Smoke.\u201d Although he still mutters some lines and he\u2019s occasionally wooden due to his nerves, his scenes are still believable. His argument with Moffet in the second act was electrifying and he has incredible chemistry with Jeanes. Although he may not be as experienced as the rest of the actors in this show, he still is very talented.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Neal managed to steal every scene she was in, even from the over-the-top Johnston. Mixing sarcasm with genuine love seems first-hand when O\u2019Neal does it. Although Olivia is a stock character, O\u2019Neal makes sure to stay noticed.<\/p>\n
Moffet, a theater veteran, is often cast in the ensemble of musicals or in comedic roles. In a role that although small but substantial, Moffet manages to be the star of the show. As the antagonist with heart, he sizzles on the stage. Moffet was born to play this role and hopefully he has a chance to do more in the program.<\/p>\n
Daytona State\u2019s next production is \u201cOur Musical Gift,\u201d a joint production with the entire Mike Curb College of Performing Arts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ali Schmitz In Motion Staff Writer What is the American dream? Daytona State\u2019s November production of Richard Greenberg\u2019s \u201cThe American Plan\u201d questions the idea, set in the late 1950\u2019s and early 60\u2019s. \u201cThe American Plan,\u201d directed by adjunct theater professor Trevin Cooper, winds a tale of young love in the Continue reading Production of \u2018The American Plan\u2019 soars<\/span>