'The Mineola Twins' packs the house
'Twins' will continue running at Corner Playhouse from Feb. 11-Feb. 14.
Published Feb. 9, 2010
Being first in line always has its rewards. For attendees of the student-run play, "The Mineola Twins," placement in line was the difference between getting the front row experience and not getting a ticket at all. The line to get inside the third night of the play wrapped around the entire lobby of the Corner Playhouse with eager audience members crowding the auditorium.
The anticipation among the playgoers built as members of the waiting crowd commented on the vintage memorabilia plastered on the walls of the crowded hallway, and audience members eagerly waited to take their seats inside. The old '50s music playing through the overhead speakers set the mood for the beginning of the play.
Stage manager and sophomore Kayla Flint directed playgoers through the doors of the house as someone exclaimed, "This one looks like it's going to be another sell-out night!"
The critically-acclaimed play, written by Paula Vogel, tells the story of identical twins Myrna and Myra Richards as they struggle to define themselves as women as well as sisters. Myrna has her entire life planned out and lives by the virtue of chastity until marriage. Myra, on the other hand, lives a rebellious, promiscuous life filled with separatist ideals and extremist clans.
Sophomore Victoria House plays both Myrna and Myra in the production.
"The whole show is a good parable for life in general," House said. "The story of how two people who come from the same place but grow up to be so different can be related to a lot of people."
The play touches on a lot of feminist ideals as each twin represents each side of the female ideological but doesn't limit itself to just that. The play is a comedy, after all. The quirky satire makes it so everyone can enjoy the show with humor that is easily relatable. The five-member cast brings the play to life by eliminating extra people on stage. All but two of the cast members play more than one role.
The play sets itself up so each member of the audience can somehow relate to somebody on stage. Men and women laugh as Myrna repeatedly refuses to have sex with her fiancé, many relating to the familiar scenario. It portrays real life situations with a comedic undertone.
It's not all fun and games, though. The play addresses serious issues, including gender roles and interfamily conflicts.
"It is a comedy, so of course you should certainly enjoy it but just the idea of left versus right doesn't really matter when everyone goes through the same problems," Flint said. "Whatever your perspective is on the problems, it doesn't necessarily matter because we're all kind of in the same boat."
Director Frank Lasik said in his director's notes the message he wanted to convey is one of "fundamental humanity." This is the belief we are all connected to one another in some form or fashion despite our differences.
House said the play is easily connected to.
"Even though the show is a comedy, it does a great job of relating to everything from gender issues to race issues and even religious issues," House said.
The packed house applauded the actors as the lights dimmed. The play encouraged audience members to set aside their cultural differences and get together to laugh and have a good time.
"The Mineola Twins" continues its run from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14, and tickets are available at the Corner Playhouse box office.