What: "The Graduate" by Scene One Theatre
Where: 121 E. High St. in Jefferson City
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18-20 and 25-27
Tickets: 573-635-6713, opening half price $5; other nights $10
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Scene One Theatre is presenting the American comedy-drama "The Graduate."
This play was adapted from the 1967 film directed by Mike Nichols and staring Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman, which was based on the book by Charles Webb.
It tells the story of Benjamin Braddock, played by Joe Schneider, a 20-year-old recent college graduate struggling to find himself and what he wants to do with his life.
Benjamin is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson, played by Megan Sappington, and then develops a relationship with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson's daughter. Elaine is played by Natalie Eickhoff.
There is a cast of eight but two, Mary Jo Durkin and Jon Schwartz, play several utility characters (hotel clerk, psychiatrist, etc.)
Mr. Robinson is played by John Luker and the parents of Benjamin are played by Greg Barnes and Tracy Wegman.
Director Mark Wegman said the play captures the movie but is also slightly different.
The rebellious culture of the '60s is brought out in the play and there is a lot of satire.
The set consists of several locations, including: Ben's bedroom, a living room at the Robinsons, an outside scene, a church setting, hotel bedroom and motel bedroom.
Lighting allows a minimum of set pieces and conveys the mood from stark lights to dim effects to color.
"The play has an interesting way of depicting differences in generations. There is an unsettling in the youth, and the play shows the way they handle their parents and try make their own life," Wegman said.
It is a good showcase for the '60s, which was a time of social rebellion and dissonance, of a coming of age for youth in a time of war and unrest.
Assistant director is Ashley Cook, who also is the lighting technician. Maria Bish is handling wardrobe and showing the fashion of the era with the costumes and hair styles.
Grant Lenhardt is the technical director.
Wegman said the show is geared for mature audiences.