'Proof' Proves Rewarding Challenge; Play to Open Friday

This week, Student Activities will present its first in a series of three plays to be produced during the 2006-07 academic year: "Proof," by David Auburn, kicks off the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the ACC Auditorium. Admission is free. PCToday continues a weeklong reflection by cast members, today offering insight from Jennifer Lauver.

"I decided to get involved with this production because I have always had a passion for performing, and, when I heard Penn College was putting on a play, I was shocked. I knew I had to take advantage of it." And Jennifer Lauver has taken advantage of this opportunityto its fullest, portraying a not-so-liked older sister, Claire. "I believe Claire holds herself higher than everyone else. She feels she is always right, and, no matter the circumstances, she always tends to get what she wants." A sophomore in the graphic design program, Lauver lends a compelling performance that adds to the brilliance of"Proof" ... but it has come with its challenges.

"Finding the time to study my lines when I have a major that demands most of my time has been extremely hard." This has been a resounding theme throughout the entire cast, actually.

"David Auburn created a challenge with this show. He created four brilliant characters, and wrote a complex script, that, at times, we felt we would never get through. It is obvious why this play won so many awards," stated director Kevin A. Hickman.

"Proof" won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and Broadway's most coveted honor, the Tony Award for Best Drama, the same year.

"It's intimidating taking on a play that is so well-known, and has many awards behind it, but I can understand why it won so many awards," Lauver said. "It's a show that has everything. It has drama, love, humor and four different characters that will blow your mind. It's Penn College's first theatrical season; come be a part of history.I just want them to appreciate the art of acting for more than just entertainment. People have no idea how much time and energy goes into one production."

Lauver and the rest of the cast take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is free. "Proof" is produced by the Student Activities Office, and is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. in New York.