Binghamton University’s theater department wants to prepare you for “Reckless,” the wild, crazy roller coaster ride that will be its first main stage production of the school year.
Written by Craig Lucas, “Reckless” stars a housewife named Rachel who discovers on Christmas Eve that her husband Tony has arranged for a hit man to murder her. After barely escaping with her life into the snowy wastes of her neighborhood, Rachel crosses paths with a social worker and his paraplegic, deaf and mute wife. The couple ends up not being who they appear to be, causing Rachel to flee her home. As she continues with her traveling, she meets a variety of eccentric characters, including a game show host, the staff of a non-profit group and a troubled nun.
Alison Maria Fasolino, a senior majoring in theater, is playing Rachel and describes the plot as an adult coming-of-age story.
“Rachel discovers herself throughout a crazy, turbulent journey of sorts,” Fasolino said.
Fellow cast member Emily Rellis, a senior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, also noted that the show is centered on the lead’s journey.
“It’s about a woman who gets handed challenges, and shows that no matter what happens you should never give up,” Rellis said.
The entire cast agrees that students should come see the show because they can see great acting, set designs and costume designs all done by their peers. It’s a nice way to see what BU’s theater department has to offer, as well as showing what can be done with such limited time and resources.
“It is an affordable way to see good theater,” said cast member Suzannah Herschkowitz, a senior majoring in human development. “You will laugh, then cry and then laugh some more.”
“Reckless” not only features BU students, but also stars one of the theater department’s professors, Anne Brady. She reflected that it was a great experience to be able to work with her students rather than be responsible for teaching them.
The actors also thought the opportunity to work with their professor as a fellow actor was a unique experience.
“We get to see our professor do what we do,” said cast member Dustin Hirthler, a senior majoring in theater. “I remember thinking, ‘Anne calls line too’ during a rehearsal. It shows us that it is OK to make mistakes. Anne is one of us, and it is great to be so intimate with a professor and to see them in such a different environment.”
The stage manager, Crystal Gonzalez, a junior majoring in theater, and the assistant stage managers, Kevin Koval, a senior double-majoring in English and theater, and Elana Schlossberg, an undeclared freshman, have received rave reviews from cast members, as well as show director and BU theater professor Carol Hanscom.
“I’m really lucky to have the cast I have,” Hanscom said. “I am grateful for the work they put in, not only with their roles but with moving props before we had stage crew members. ‘Reckless’ is a fun piece to work on and I have such a great cast, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Tickets for “Reckless” are on sale at the box office in the Anderson Center, and unless sold out, they will be sold until 15 minutes into each show. Tickets are $8 for students, $12 for faculty/staff/seniors and $14 for general admission.
“Reckless” is set to open at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 in the Anderson Center’s Chamber Hall and will also be performed at 8 p.m. on Oct. 15, 21 and 22, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 23.