Upon entering Meiley-Swallow Theatre, a man is seen sitting on a couch and reading a newspaper as rain is heard overhead. The scene for “Logan’s Comedy” is set long before the lights fall for opening curtain.
“Logan’s Comedy” was written, directed and performed by students. Written by Kevin Deiber, ’19, and directed by Shelby Slater, ’19, “Logan’s Comedy” provides a look into the complicated lives of a father and his two adult sons. The cast included Jake Elkins, ’20, Dylan Obrochta and Isaac Thornsen, ’22.
In the director’s note, Slater wrote, “While it is a funny show at heart and has many comedic overtones, I want the serious undertones and chemistry between the actors portraying the family to shine through.”
Throughout the show, the audience laughed at the character’s physical comedy and the conversations he shared with his father and brother. But this comedic aspect did not outshine the seriousness of the problems plaguing these three men individually, as well as their relationship as a family unit.
The use of a slightly beat up set and props, designed by Destiny Hahn, ’21, and Dante Hennenfent, ’22, conveyed the lower-middle class status of the Chicago family. The use of props right down to the coffee mugs shows the audience the severity of the father’s financial situation. Abigail Ehrler, ’19, was the sound designer, and the choice of rain and jazz music for the scene interludes further represented the setting for the play.
Throughout the play, laughter and tragedy abound for the father and sons. When asked about the play, Colin Froehlich, ’20, said, “(It was) very funny, while touching on some important themes. Definitely recommended.” And while the run of the show only lasted a weekend, the value of student-led productions was well represented with “Logan’s Comedy.”
