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Arts & Entertainment Former director of playhouse to hold auditions
By Nicole Cerilli A&E editor David Matthews, the pre-eminent expert on American Musical Theatre in Northwestern Pa., will hold auditions at the beginning of spring term for the Mercyhurst College production of the brilliant play "A Streetcar named Desire." The cast calls for six women and six men. There are roles of neighbors, friends and strangers, ranging from small roles to large roles. Matthews requests that those who are auditioning please bring a short, two-minute-or-less monologue to perform for him. It can be memorized, or read. It can be a Tennessee William’s piece, if desired, or a choice of the actor. Matthews said Barnes & Noble carries many books of monologues, but that the monologue can also be the creation of the actor or actress auditioning. On a special note, "A Streetcar Named Desire" requires southern accents of various degrees. Matthews said auditioning with an accent would be a good choice. Matthews retired two years ago after a highly successful, 34 -year career as Managing Director of The Erie Playhouse, and he has directed over 400 theatrical productions ranging from two-character shows to huge reviews with a cast of 700. Throughout his tenure at the Playhouse, Matthews was honored with many awards. He also spent five years working in professional theatre with the Kenley Players of Ohio. During the 70 shows he did with Kenley, he worked side-by-side with talents ranging from Robert Goulet to Ethel Merman. Matthews said he ended up at Mercyhurst because many people feel that there is a need for live theatre on campus. Matthews chose "A Streetcar Named Desire" because when it opened on Broadway in 1947, it was instantly recognized as one of the greatest American plays ever written. Dramatist Tennesse Williams’ play, "A Streetcar Named Desire," went on to win numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, and has been produced somewhere every day since its debut. "I could not be more thrilled to produce this masterful play at Mercyhurst. Tennessee Williams is my favorite playwright and every actor, at some point of their life, should have the thrill of bringing Williams to life on stage," Matthews said. "I have always loved working with students. The energy, spirit and quick wit and intelligence of college students is a challenge and a joy to me. I promise all those associated with the show that it will be one of their most cherished Mercyhurst memories." For those who are interested in auditioning, Matthews recommends doing some research over spring break. "Rent the classic movie version starring Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh. It is a wonderful barometer of the play. It would certainly give you an accurate assessment of what role(s) you might want to audition for. Also, every library in the country stocks a copy of the play since it is regarded as a masterpiece." Rehearsals will begin immediately after auditions and will be held on weeknights and weekends. Matthews said that he will do his best to schedule around conflicts, but the students involved must commit to the project. Auditions will be held at Taylor Little Theatre on Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. and Friday, at 7 p.m., and the play will run from Thursday, April 6 to Friday, April 9. If you need to contact Matthews, you can reach him by phone at 825-9275 or e-mail at Davidmat@roadrunner.com.
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