College of Fine and Performing Arts presents George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man”
By Morgan Annable
“I’ve no ammunition. What use are cartridges in battle? I always carry chocolate instead.” This line, spoken by Captain Bluntschli, highlights one of the main themes of “Arms and the Man”: the absurdity of war.
The College of Fine and Performing Arts will be putting on their rendition of this comedic George Bernard Shaw classic, opening on February 2 and running for two weekends.
The play is directed by Evan Mueller, a professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, who also directed last year’s well-loved production of “As You Like It.” Mueller is joined by a stellar cast led by Lauren Brigolin as Raina Petkoff, an idealist, and Ben Briggs as Captain Bluntschli, a realist. Also gracing the stage are Justin Jijina as Major Sergius Saranoff, Kyle Stella as Major Paul Petkoff, Linnaea Groh as Catherine Petkoff, Olivia Sterne as Louka, Aaron Ussery as Nicola and Siara Woods-Lindholm as a Russian officer.
“Arms and the Man” takes on war, love, authority, class struggle and honesty, all wrapped in Shaw’s typical cleverness. George Orwell stated that this was “the wittiest play [Shaw] ever wrote.” Judge for yourself the next two weekends in the DUG Theatre (PAC 199).
ABOVE: The cast continues to rehearse and perfect their comedic timing. Photo by Janna Bodnar // AS Review