When I first accepted the job of reviewing Scotch ‘n’ Soda’s production of “The Death of Don Juan,” I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had a very limited knowledge of the original story of Don Juan, so I really had no expectations about what this show would be about. It’s safe to say that I had an enjoyable experience.
The show was an original script written by Carnegie Mellon’s own Ursula Sturgeon, directed by first-year Rebecca Kira and assistant directed by Jocelyn Selby. And wow, it was an interesting show. Sturgeon uses the story of Don Juan for the character “The Playwright” (played by Ella Mineroff) to deal with the trauma behind her late father. Upon first glance, one might think the story is of a Don Lothario type character whose malicious deeds eventually lead to his comeuppance, but that is not the case at all. This show was not to be taken lightly, although there were moments of lightheartedness. I honestly felt like I had to process everything that happened in it when the lights first rose upon the conclusion of Don Juan (J. E. Feliciano) joining the playwright’s father (Tianyi He) in hell.
I have to say that the cast did an incredible job. The play contained several dramatic monologues with heavy subject that I don’t believe just any actor could pull off well. However, this cast did. Arrim Jung, who played Donna Anna, nearly had me calling CaPS; her acting was so emotional. Marissa Fernandez and Chase Crandall who played Donna Elvira and Leporello, respectively, really brought the comedy, but also the emotion that their characters needed. Nate Perez’s line delivery as Massetto was fun and engaging. Ella Mineroff as The Playwright and Tianyi He as her father, both brought the house down with the emotional depth that they delivered with their lines. And finally, the titular man of the show, Don Juan played by J. E. Feliciano. While I was surprised that he wasn’t actually onstage that much considering the show was named after him, every time he was, he brought a moment of hilarity and roguishness. This was not an easy show to act out, in my opinion, but I felt like every member of the cast delivered raw, believable performances.
Overall, I would say that this was an excellent production. The sets, props, costumes, directing and casting were all top notch. I also really loved that it was a show written by a student. It was really cool to see Ursula’s vision come to life in this production. So, if you missed the “Death of Don Juan,” I’m sorry, but who knows maybe someday in the future this play will be resurrected once again. If it is, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to watch it.
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