New Penn Players show mixes new and old

Using centerfolds, tapped phones and video screens, the Pennsylvania Players bring a 1990s brand of McCarthyism to the 16th century in William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. As the advertisements on Locust Walk proclaim, this timeless play with a strangely timely message is the first major student production of a Shakespeare work in 10 years. Director and former University student Tony Phelan has brought the story of governmental regulation of morals and the selective enforcement of these laws by corrupt officials into the present through a variety of creative staging techniques. Some of these techniques include anachronistic costuming and props to give the work a modern flavor. Though performing Shakespearean drama can be a difficult chore, Wharton junior Jesse Hertzberg, chair of the Penn Players, said the production has been "rolling as smoothly as any I have worked on." He attibuted much of the success to Phelan, saying, "Not only has he brought us a wealth of talent and experience, but he has pushed the cast and production staff to reach their potential." Under Phelan's direction, the experienced cast is led by Jef Johnson, a 1990 College graduate, College freshman Brian Turnbaugh and College senior Liesel Euler. Measure for Measure will be presented on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings through April 3 in the Harold Prince Theatre of the Annenberg Center. Tickets are available at the Annenberg Box Office or on Locust Walk for $5.