SRJC presents classic ‘The Servant of Two Masters’

The Santa Rosa Junior College Theatre Arts Department is presenting Carlo Goldoni’s “The Servant of Two Masters.”

Performances run from March 10-19 in Burbank Auditorium on the Santa Rosa campus.

Directed by Reed Martin, the comedy is recommended for ages 12 and older. It is presented through a special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc. The play will be based on the translation and adaptation of Jeffrey Hatcher and Paolo Emilio Landi.

Parking permits are required and available for $4 on campus lots.

A cross between traditional Italian Commedia and postmodern vaudeville, this new version of Goldoni’s classic pits the madcap servant Truffaldino against masters, mistresses, lovers, lawyers and 27 plates of meatballs.

“Imagine a Bob Hope or Woody Allen comedy written by Monty Python and performed with the physical bravura of Chaplin or Keaton with places in the script for ad-libs and audience participation,” said Leslie McCauley, SRJC Theatre Arts Department Chair and Artistic Director.

For more details on show times, tickets and other SRJC shows this season, visit theatrearts.santarosa.edu/. Tickets also may be purchased by calling the box office at 527-4307.

Cast notes

Carlos Gallegos, who plays a waiter, porter and prompter, is an interesting and experienced actor from Ecuador. He has lived in Paris and has toured all over the world performing his one-man mime/mask/physical comedy show. He trained as a realistic actor, Commedia actor, and trained at the esteemed Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris.

Ryan Sayler, who plays Truffaldino, says “Truffaldino intrigues me because he is a larger than life character that still has a lot of humanity to him, which keeps him somewhat grounded.”

Petaluma native Katie Wigglesworth, who plays Beatrice, recalls this comedy being used for scene exercises in her prior classes at SRJC. The Casa Grande High School alumna explains, “Since then, two years ago, I just fell head over heels in love with the play and Commedia dell’arte. Beatrice’s duality really intrigues me. I love becoming characters who have to juggle different masks. My dream is to be a professional actor, and I’ve always wanted to be in a comedy, so this production is an excellent experience for me.”