The complexity, mess and euphoria of love are often explored in theatre, but in Winthrop Theatre Department’s latest production, love is explored through the lens of severe mental illness. “Love Song,” a comedy by John Kolvenbach runs from Oct. 30 – Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. in Johnson Studio Theatre.
Directed by junior technical theatre major Makala Becker, “Love Song” follows an isolated man named Beane, his sister Joan and Joan’s husband Harry as they unravel the mystery of Beane’s blissful new love, a woman named Molly.
“[Beane] has a mental health issue that is up to interpretation in the script. I chose to go in the direction of schizophrenia, but it’s up to the audience’s interpretation,” Becker said. “He gets robbed by this girl named Molly, and he falls in love with Molly.”
The story also deals with the relationship between Joan and her husband Harry.
“They’re very different people so their arc is about dealing with Beane and also learning to deal with each other in their marriage. It’s a story about what it means to love someone, the beauty of being in love [and] the euphoria, but [also] the lows that can come with it. It’s a really funny, quirky love story.” Becker said.
Junior theatre education major Coby Bloomer plays Harry, and said one of the most difficult parts of the play was capturing Harry’s distinct character.
“He’s kind of a jerk. He does a lot of things that are ignorant and a lot of things that are very unclear sometimes. But when you dig through, I think he’s got reasoning in his own life for what he does,” Bloomer said. “Harry is a character that I feel like I’ve never really played before. Harry is very hard to figure out. I’ve struggled with him a lot in the process of character development and things like that.”
Bloomer also said the realistic nature of the play makes for a unique acting experience. “The realness of this show and the realness of the script makes it easy in some ways when it comes to acting, but it makes it very difficult as well to face some of the realities that are presented because it’s so real and so kind of raw and natural that it hits you in the face sometimes,” Bloomer said.
Junior theatre performance major Aimee Grace Wilson plays Joan, Beane’s headstrong older sister. “She loves Beane a lot, she means well but she doesn’t always understand what he’s going through. But she cares for him a lot and a lot of the show is just her showing her confusion but still trying to love Beane for who he is,” Wilson said.
According to Becker, the play’s realism, humor and quirkiness give it a broad appeal.
“It’s just funny! It’s just a weird, funny play honestly.” Becker said. “You have to suspend your disbelief for it, but it’s really just about the best and worst parts about being in love. And being in love and loving people is the best thing about being human in my opinion. It’s a show that’s really easy to just enjoy, but it still gives you enough to think about afterwards. There’s a good balance in it.”
Tickets for “Love Song” are $5 for students Wednesday and Thursday and $10 for the general public. They are $8 for students Friday through Sunday and $15 for the general public. All tickets are general admission, and can be purchased at the box office in Johnson or by calling (803)323-4014.
