The Keene State Theater and Dance Department is preparing for its second production of the 2023-24 season: “The Metromaniacs.”
The production’s set was moved into the Redfern Arts Center Main Theatre on Nov. 3 and 4, and the cast will continue production work in the theater for the next couple of weeks.
“The Metromaniacs” is a French face (comedy) play that tells a story of “mistaken identity, misplaced ardor, and a fight for true love.”
“It’s just this collection of goofy characters and goofy situations… It’s just a much more palatable piece for a modern-day audience,” said Director Tyler Keyes. “It is so much fun, but like genuine fun, not niche fun for people that like dated material. It’s something that everybody, if and when they come and watch, they enjoy.”
Keyes proposed “The Metromaniacs” as an option for production this year.
“‘Metromaniacs’ was written in 2014-2015. So even though the play takes place in the 1730s, there are a lot of modern references and a lot of contemporary language, which really makes it a whole lot more fun,” Keyes said. “I had sent [the theater department] ideas for the set concept and for lighting and costumes, and they were fully on board. It’s so great to be doing it with such a supportive department and faculty.” Keyes said he wants audiences to know, “It is not a period piece, even though it takes place in the 1730s in Paris. It is much more rockstar, modern-day craziness.”
“It’s funny and old-fashioned, but it’s also modern and relatable to audiences. They’ll understand the jokes,” said sophomore Caroline Catino. “It’s so fun to also be acting with people that are funny and can hit jokes and make them land.”
Catino said she feels the show’s rehearsals have been going smoothly.
“It just keeps improving with every rehearsal. We still have more to go, but I feel like we’re in a good spot right now,” she said.
Catino assures audiences it’s okay if they don’t completely understand everything that happens in the show.
“It’s okay if you leave the theater not really knowing what you just saw… Just enjoy the comedy of it, enjoy the chaos,” Catino said. “Even the actors sometimes don’t really know what’s going on. We’re still trying to figure out the entire plot, and these characters who have such different personalities.” Stage Manager Nate Hansen said the cast is now in the process of “getting down line notes for actors to review so hat way we stay on time for the time slot we have for the show.”
Hansen said his favorite part of the show has been “seeing different lessons that people can take out of the show” and wants audiences to go into “The Metromaniacs” ready to laugh.
“It’s a fun show. It’s very goofy, very funny. There may be one or two serious moments, but otherwise, it’s a funny show … There’s always going to be a funny point that you’re going to find,” he said.
“The Metromaniacs” will run from Wednesday, Nov. 15 to Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Redfern Arts Center Main Theatre. All performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. in addition to a2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
Sloane can be contacted at
esloane@kscequinox.com
