Culture
From Rags to Riches: OU School of Theater’s “Diana of Dobson’s”
By: Mesha Baylis-Blalock
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The Ohio University School of Theater will present Cicely Hamilton's Diana of Dobson’s Nov. 2-Nov. 12 in the Forum Theater, located on the ground floor of the Radio-Television Building at 9 South College St.
Jocelyn Wiebe is directing the century-old play that examines the lives of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
"This play is a beautiful combination of romantic comedy and social commentary," said Wiebe. "It's an updated Cinderella story."
Set in England and Switzerland during the early 1900s, Diana of Dobson's shows Diana Massingberd’s life during a lavish vacation. Starting off as a poor shop assistant at Dobson’s Drapery Emporium, Diana (played by Marissa Wolf) works long hours and earns a mere five shillings a week. When a distant family member suddenly passes away, Diana receives an inheritance that puts her in a month-long life of luxury.
During her change of lifestyle, Diana socializes with upper class citizens such as Captain Bretherton (Christopher Young), who is looking for a rich woman to support him, and his aunt Miss Cantelupe (Nicole Tuthill), who thinks Diana is the perfect match for her nephew. For the first time, Diana is treated like an equal by the upper class, and is ultimately faced with a question that could change her life forever.
Wiebe is excited to present the seldom-seen play to local theatergoers.
"Since its original production in 1908, this play has not received many productions, even though it was very popular in its time," she said. "I wanted to share this lovely, rarely-produced gem with our Athens and OU community."
Tickets are available Monday-Friday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. in Kantner Hall's main lobby or by calling (740) 593-4800. OU students will be admitted free of charge with an OU student ID.
For more information, visit www.finearts.ohio.edu/artsforohio.