By Alicia Colletti
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Stages at Camden County College is preparing for its winter show, “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens (adapted by Neil Bartlett).
“Great Expectations” is a dark play that opens with the rough life of a young orphan boy named Pip. The story follows through Pip’s life and the people in it, from his abusive older sister and her husband, to an escaped convict named Magwitch, a wealthy woman named Miss Havisham, her young ward, Estella, whom Pip loves, and a lawyer, Mr. Jaggers. Every character somehow plays a part in Pip’s journey through love, loss, hardship and friendship.
Stages will perform the play in December in The Little Theatre.
“This is definitely not a show for children,” states Moxie Sokoloff, who runs the Professional Theatre Training Program for Camden County College and is the artistic director of “Great Expectations.”
“I chose this adaptation because it’s a new way to look at old shows. It is fast, intense, funny, scary and sexy. It will keep the audience on the edge of their seats,” Sokoloff continues. “When the lights go down at the end, I want the audience to feel a connection between their current lives and the tale. I want them to have a renewed excitement about theatre and I want them to be surprised. I also want them to be a little unsettled.”
Don Swenson, scenic designer and technical director, says he wants the audience to see the set as “a theatricalized industrial world in a state of change.” The set is designed mainly of scaffolding. The actors will use lanterns and lighting to enhance scene and set changes.
Tim Rinehart, a theatre professor and cast member, states, “I’m very excited. It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to be part of a Stages show, but every time I’ve worked there has been a worthwhile experience. I’ve been looking forward to getting started on this and working with them again. It’s a bit too early to know what exactly to expect yet, but I’ve worked with Moxie enough times to know that she refuses have a hand in anything short of an outstanding production.”
“Great Expectations” will run from Dec. 6 to 14 in The Little Theatre in Lincoln Hall. Specific dates, times and ticket reservations can be found at http://www.stagesccc.com. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for Camden County College students with a valid student ID, senior citizens and children; however, bringing children is not advised.