By Emily Larman
Collingwood’s Drama Department has graced the willowy stages of the Darlene S. Howard Theatre with a gentle poise as the year has progressed, but nothing has quite captivated its audiences the way The Dining Room has. There is something jarring yet enthralling about an ensemble cast that moves fluidly across the stage as if they are living the roles themselves. The Dining Room was made up of a series of vignettes that culminated together to represent a metaphorical tale infused with what it means to come together and cherish that time. While the austerity of a set comprised of a single dining room table and a set of chairs may appear understated in nature, the unification it brings to the production as a whole gives the play a level of simplified complexity that allows the audience to appreciate depth of characterization. The aggregation of characters may seek to keep the audience reinvigorated, but it also offers a rich look into the differing perspectives of humanity that we often fail to overlook. The play offers something for everyone, from comedic to romantic and dramatic interpretations that imbue a sense of genuine sincerity and warmth that leaves the audience feeling satisfied. The Dining Room aims to present the unexpected and leave a lasting market on those who are able to witness its profound eloquence, the talent of the actors truly shining. For the Grads, it offered a final chance to be involved in a production and they each executed it with the agility of a seasoned performer, offering their last impact on the school. For the rest of the cast, they exhibited the sheer dexterity and expertise of what is sure to be a spectacular next few years in Collingwood Drama. The Dining Room surprised, shocked and astonished, and most of all, it celebrated the tribulations of imperfection that we must all be reminded of once in awhile.
Collingwood’s Drama Department has graced the willowy stages of the Darlene S. Howard Theatre with a gentle poise as the year has progressed, but nothing has quite captivated its audiences the way The Dining Room has. There is something jarring yet enthralling about an ensemble cast that moves fluidly across the stage as if they are living the roles themselves. The Dining Room was made up of a series of vignettes that culminated together to represent a metaphorical tale infused with what it means to come together and cherish that time. While the austerity of a set comprised of a single dining room table and a set of chairs may appear understated in nature, the unification it brings to the production as a whole gives the play a level of simplified complexity that allows the audience to appreciate depth of characterization. The aggregation of characters may seek to keep the audience reinvigorated, but it also offers a rich look into the differing perspectives of humanity that we often fail to overlook. The play offers something for everyone, from comedic to romantic and dramatic interpretations that imbue a sense of genuine sincerity and warmth that leaves the audience feeling satisfied. The Dining Room aims to present the unexpected and leave a lasting market on those who are able to witness its profound eloquence, the talent of the actors truly shining. For the Grads, it offered a final chance to be involved in a production and they each executed it with the agility of a seasoned performer, offering their last impact on the school. For the rest of the cast, they exhibited the sheer dexterity and expertise of what is sure to be a spectacular next few years in Collingwood Drama. The Dining Room surprised, shocked and astonished, and most of all, it celebrated the tribulations of imperfection that we must all be reminded of once in awhile.