Scapino Includes Dedication

By Rosie Garschina

The weekend of Nov. 21 was not just an important time for Masquers, but also for former Theater Arts teacher-Inez Norman Spiers. The performance of Scapino, an Italian comedy, was just about sold out on Friday night. Not only were there several hundred theater fans present, but also many alumni of Garden City High School.

Scapino, which starred Andrew Brenner, Marissa Hansson and Kyle Garner, is a comical drama about a cunning character that enjoys out-witting others for causes which he finds important. Directed by Caroline Naughton and assistant director Margaret Murphy, Scapino was, as audience members later noted, one of the most clever and well-thoughtout Masquers' performances yet seen. Andrew Brenner fit Scapino perfectly and just about lives the part. The whole cast worked great together to pull off hilarious scenes throughout the whole play. The set of this theatrical work was planned out very uniquely. The pit was transformed into the waters of Italy and was used frequently during the show. The background extended past the curtain line, preventing it from closing during the intermission and costume changes. Instead, a small cast of waiter and waitresses would periodically come out to perform skits in an "Italian restaurant," while preparing for the next scene.

Scapino was sponsored by Neil Fox and was not only successfully with the audience, but with the cat as well. Female lead Marisa Hansson stated, "I think that director Caroline Naughton formatted it very well for the talent in the show."

Friday's crowd was a bit larger since the dedication of the auditorium was to take place. Inez Norman Spiers worked as a theater arts teacher at the high school for a little over 50 years and just retired last spring. Spiers made the theater department her life and, as a result, has helped create the successful drama department that the school has today. The school felt that she deserved this honor because of her strong devotion and passion for the program. The dedication included tributes by cast members as well as former Masques members, including Susan Lucci.

Performance nights at the now called Inez Norman Spiers Theatre, have always been a treat, but this past Friday's was one that will be cemented in Garden City High School history.