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Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: Lifestyles

WIttenberg students took to the stage in "Parallel Lives," a play directed by senior Kristina Tannenbaum

If you could describe the play in one word, what would it be? "Hilarious!" replied student director Kristina Tannenbaum, a senior.

"Parallel Lives," a play written by Mo Gafney and Kathy Najimy, is a play with over 20 different characters. All of these characters are divided among an all-female cast of seven women. Why only seven women for so many characters?

"Despite the different situations, they are the same woman, which is why seven women play all of the parts," says Tannenbaum. While this situation might seem like a stretch, keep in mind that the play was originally written for two women.

The play is based on the many different relationships that women have with each other as well as with men. From a lesbian couple to a college relationship to a prostitute and everything in between, this play will keep you on your toes.

The choice of costume was simple, making the characters easy to follow. They were all dressed in black shirts and pants, using accessories such as headbands and jewelry or hats to show a change in character. The accessory seemed to completely change the actress, as though the bangle or glasses possessed an attitude of their own.

The scenery was also simple, black furniture with the occasional blanket to portray a bed. While it was simple, it also worked due to the multitude of storylines and characters.

The acting was phenomenal, from the accents to the interactions with other actresses. The energy seemed to reverberate off of the actresses, making the audience feel as though they were a part of the production.

The play appears to have taken weeks to put together. In reality, Tannenbaum had a mere three weeks to put together this amazing production. "It was ridiculously hectic," she admits, "but I had a fantastic group of dedicated, hard-working women."

"The play is a view of women in society and how they have changed," says Tannenbaum. What message do you hope the audience leaves the theatre with? "As cheesy as it sounds, 'I'm every woman!'" declares Tannenbaum.

"Parallel Lives" is a hilarious look at the life of women. From taboo subjects such as their periods to their dysfunctional relationships with friends and men, nothing is off limits. This play will keep you on your toes from opening to curtain call!

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