Riverside's The School for Scandal Gets High Marks

John William Watkins as Crabtree; Jody Hovland
as Mrs. Candour. Photo by Bob Goodfellow

By James E. Trainor III

Iowa City - The School for Scandal, the other half of Riverside's 2013 Riverside Theatre in the Park Festival (Hamlet opened last week), first opened in London in 1777. In it, Richard Brinsley Sheridan ruthlessly mocks 18th-Century British society. Though the costumes (by Lauren Roark) do a wonderful job of transporting us back to that time via recreating the ridiculous fashions that dominated, the production itself is surprisingly modern. Contemporary American society, after all, has no shortage of hypocrites, gossips, liars, and usurers. Theodore Swetz's direction focuses on the storytelling, and does a wonderfully job of taking these very colorful characters and putting them into context. It is very clear how much social power these scandalmongers have, and how much the protagonists are in their grip. Thoughtful direction, dazzling design, and excellent acting make The School for Scandal an entertaining and thought-provoking play.

Riverside Theatre in the Park moves indoors

Iowa City – "The shows will go on! Due to City Park flooding, Riverside Theatre in the Park is moving indoors for its 14th summer season to West High Auditorium. Dates and times remain the same, June 14 - July 7, 2013. This summer’s plays are William Shakespeare’s much-loved drama Hamlet, directed by Kristin Horton, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 18th century comedy about English aristocracy, The School for Scandal, directed by Theodore Swetz. For tickets and information, call 319-338-7672 or visit www.riversidetheatre.org. West High School is located at 2901 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, Iowa.

About West High Auditorium

West High Auditorium is an air-conditioned indoor theatre with excellent acoustics. Located at 2901 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, there is easy access to the building and plenty of parking.

Bring your own picnic and enjoy the Green Show on the lawn near the auditorium one hour before each performance. Riverside Theatre will be selling limited concessions. The Green Show is a short performance that provides a humorous overview of the evening’s main production."

(Source: Riverside Theatre Press Release)

Riverside Theatre in the Park

Iowa City - "Riverside Theatre announces their summer season of classic works, Riverside Theatre in the Park, June 14-July 7, 2013. This summer’s plays are William Shakespeare’s much loved drama HAMLET, directed by Kristin Horton, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 18th century comedy about English aristocracy, THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL, directed by Theodore Swetz. Performances take place at the open-air, Shakespearean Globe-inspired Riverside Festival Stage in Lower City Park, Iowa City, Iowa. Tickets range from $18-$40, with discounted 2-show passes available, Family Nights and group ticket deals. For tickets and information, call 319-338-7672 or visit www.riversidetheatre.org.