Futuristic “Natural Selection” Staged Nov. 7-11
If you enjoy laughing at what the future might hold and find reason to question where the human race is headed, you are sure to enjoy CSU, Chico’s upcoming production of Eric Coble’s futuristic play, “Natural Selection.”
“Natural Selection,” directed by Chico State theatre professor Cynthia Lammel, will be staged in Wismer Theatre Wednesday, Nov. 7- Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.; matinee performances take place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11, at 2 p.m.
“There are 22 scenes and lots of action,” said Lammel. “‘Natural Selection’ is a new work that deals in very amusing ways with the challenges our society is facing.”
In the play Henry Carson is a curator for Wonder World, a technologically advanced theme park that displays ancient exhibits, including the Native American Pavilion. Carson must embark outside the protected shell people are living in into the “real world” — a desolate wasteland — to find an authentic Indian for Wonder World.
Costume designer, Annaliese Baker, is sure to wow the audiences with the designs she has created for this futuristic play, said Lammel. Baker’s work has been featured in the World Stage Design gallery exhibit and during the Costume Society of America’s 2007 conference. This will be her first show at CSU, Chico.
For the sound design Katie Whitlock will blend a mix of technological static balanced with primitive instruments. Sounds will build from small touches accenting the events to an intrusion of music as the action becomes intense.
“The soundscape for ‘Natural Selection’ is a textured landscape that acknowledges the native roots of the play, while maintaining some pop clichés as part of the Cultural Fiesta theme park world,” said Whitlock.
Othe designers for “Nathural Selection” include Dan Schindler (scenic design), Abbie Nelson (lighting design) and Amanda Brandt (choreography).
“The cast has worked extremely hard to create a very well-rounded performance.”
Cast members include seniors Zac Yurkovic (Henry), Peter Juarez (Zhao), Dominique Worden (Suzie), Rebecca Dedeker-Winston (Mrs. Fieldstrom), and Davis Carlson (Ernie); juniors Kelsey Dickman (Penelope), Tyler Elliot (Mr. N.); and sophomore Jamie McKibbon (Yolanda Pastiche).
Coble, Lammel said, writes plays poking fun at the human race and at the same time makes us ponder what is really going on in our society.
“In ‘Natural Selection’ Coble offers us — in a clever and comedic way — a world in the not-too-distant future where technological progress has cut us off from nature, one another, and ourselves.”
Audience members should connect with the play on several levels, said Lammel. They should relate to Carson’s longing for adventure and experiences. And the character Zhao’s use of comedy will hopefully make audience members wonder where our society could be headed. She also hopes audiences will connect on a more serious level to the big question the play posses — “what is authenic and what is not?”
“The story will end up somewhere the audience could never have imagined.”
Advance tickets, at $15 adults, $13 senior citizens, and $6 students/children, are available at the University Box Office, 898-6333. For disability-related accommodations, please call 898-4325. Add $2 for tickets purchased at the door.
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