Ohio Wesleyan will begin its 2010-2011 season in Delaware, Ohio with a production of Charles Mee’s “Hotel Cassiopeia,” a uniquely crafted performance-art piece based on events, discoveries, and insights from American surrealist artist, Joseph Cornell.
Hotel Cassiopeia to be performed at Ohio Wesleyan University for one weekend only.
“While nothing about Hotel Cassiopeia is conventional – least of all its plot – there is a powerful story at its heart,” wrote DC Theatre Scene. “Hotel Cassiopeia” will be performed for one weekend only on Thursday, September 16; Friday, September 17; Satureday, September 18 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, September 19 at 2 p.m. on the Main Stage of Chappelear Drama Center.
The show depicts fragments in the life of Joseph Cornell, who gained popularity in the mid-20th century for his collages and three-dimensional constructions. His small unique objects placed in glass-fronted boxes visually encouraged viewers to explore the vast possibilities of their imaginations. Playwright Charles Mee writes [on “Hotel Cassiopeia”] “How would it be if those boxes could speak? … about art, about America, about compassion and longing and loneliness and heartbreak.”
“Hotel Cassiopeia” captures thoughts taken from Cornell’s personal diary entries and dives into the inspirations for his pieces and his acquaintances. A critic from The New York Times wrote, “There is something inspired in the meeting of this playwright and Cornell; they share a collagist’s instinct.” The show incorporates elements of acting, music, dance, and multi-media visuals to retell the story in a non-linear manner.
The cast and crew include more than 30 Ohio Wesleyan students. Sophomore Samuel Irvine will portray the role of Joseph Cornell. Other roles in the ensemble piece will be portrayed by Nathaniel Barber, Laurel Elliott, Katherine Jenks, Brittany Robertson, Andrew Rossi, Aki Sato, Madeline Shier, Chris Sponseller, Gus Steiner, and April Warner.
The play is directed and scene designed by D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr.; with costume design by Jacqueline Shelley; lighting design by Ed Howland; and stage management by Molly Anderson.
Information about “Hotel Cassiopeia,” and other 2010-2011 OWU department of theatre & dance productions, may be found on the department’s Web site.
To reserve tickets for “Hotel Cassiopeia,” call the department of theatre & dance at (740) 368-3855 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $5 for Ohio Wesleyan employees, non-OWU students, and senior citizens.
