MCC production to tour local schools
Walt Porter
The production of “Reynard the Fox” is embarking on a new trial for MCC’s theater department and sneaking its way through the surrounding elementary audiences of the Mesa School District.Highland, Limburg, Mendoza, and Webster Field are some of the elementary schools the department will perform for from Oct. 1-19.
The show is scheduled to appear in the Outback Theatre as well.
Wes Jeffries, who plays the role of an ordained hedgehog named Rev. Epinard, stated he is looking forward to performing for children.
“Working with kids would be one of the most beneficial experiences, because they are one of the most brutal and honest audiences,” he said.
Jeffries stated that they are unlike adults who might soften their opinions.
“They will tell you if you suck… (they will say) you suck, ” Jeffries said.
Solomon Cruz, a performing arts student, stated he is returning to the stage after his last performance in “The Great White Hope” with a little more confidence.
“I am comfortable,” Cruz said. “I think that if you find a balance… there are some trying times, but nothing you can’t handle.”
He also stated his approval of the performers.
“The cast is amazing, it got casted perfectly and we all get along great, I couldn’t be happier about the show,” Cruz said.
Kristi Quiroz, stage manager of the production, described her hopes for the play.
“One of the best things I’ve done this semester. We’re hoping that if this goes smoothly and we get good reviews, we’ll bring it back and pick new shows,” she said.
Quiroz stated that there is a cultural flair to the play.
“I wouldn’t call it a fairytale, it’s all real, but they’re animals. We’re putting a Southwestern Hispanic tint to the show, some of the costumes (have) pop culture Latino flows to it,” Quiroz said.
There is a lot of humor. It’s very slapstick and there will be a lot of audience interaction.
“This play is unusual (in) that it has a deeper lesson … It’s not just a slapstick comedy with absolutely no meaning to it, it’s something that the kids can walk away having learned something,” Jefferies said.
Rod Castillo, director of creative and performing arts for Mesa Public Schools, stated this was something different for the schools.
“This is new territory, but we are anxious to work with our educational partners in the surrounding area. We look at a variety of shows. We had 175 to 200 shows coming into Mesa,” Castillo said.
He also stated he would like to tour in the future.
“We are just excited to see how this will work out and hope this is the start of a great future partnership,” Castillo said.
The show will perform at Outback Theatre on Sept. 24, 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. The last show on campus is Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.
