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Contact: Marilynn Fryer
(517) 796-8466
e-mail: FryerMarilynT@jccmi.edu
February 13th, 2007
For immediate release

JCC’s ‘Henry IV’ explores line between reality and madness

Jackson Community College will present Nobel Prize for Literature Winner Luigi Pirandello’s “Henry IV” at 8 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and March 2, 3; and matinees at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 4, Baughman Theatre, Potter Center.

In “Henry IV,” Pirandello tells the story of a madman who, since a fall from his horse 20 years ago, believes himself to be the medieval Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV. He lives in a castle, provided by his wealthy sister, where he is humored by “courtiers” and others in period costume who help him maintain his illusion. Matilda, his beloved of 20 years previously, her daughter, and Henry’s rival in love come to him in a psychiatrist’s attempt to restore Henry to sanity. One problem is that Henry is actually sane, but pretends to live in the Middle Ages in preference to facing the horrifying modern world.

The cast for this performance is diverse, Director Gary Wetzel-Righettini said. Diego Febres-Cordero portrays Henry and has been active in Jackson area theatre since 1995. He is actor and head designer for Left of Center Theatre, works with Jackson High School theatre, and he is the father of two. Susan DeMinico, who portrays the Marchioness Matilda Spina, is making her debut in JCC theatre after returning to college; she is the mother of four and grandmother of two. Father and son Mark Turson (John the valet) and Derek Turson (Ordolph) are performing together for the first time. The elder Mark Turson is currently the director of Center Stage Jackson’s “Man of La Mancha,” and has had major roles in JCC and community theater productions, while son Derek is a high school student making his debut at JCC. Other cast members include:

  • Frida, Vanessa Drake, JCC student, performed in high school and community productions, JCC young person’ show.
  • Charles Di Nolli, Ian Todd, high school student, studying with Timm Richardson.
  • Baron Tito Belcredi, Robert Daniel, new to Jackson theater but has performed in many roles in community theatres in Seattle and Chicago.
  • Doctor Dionyis Genoini, Tyler Crawford, JCC student, worked in JCC young person’s production.
  • Landolph, Justin Reynolds, JCC student and theatre major who has performed in community and JCC productions.
  • Harold, Ray DuBois, JCC student who performed in “Little Mary Sunshine,” also sings with Broadway Revue.
  • Berthold, Luke Stanaway-Neblo, performed in many JCC and community productions.
  • Godfrey, Jason Howell, JCC student, theatre debut.

Tickets are $8 for students and seniors, and $10 for adults. Contact the Potter Center Box Office at 517.796.8600, or online at www.jccmi.edu/events, to purchase tickets.