Moorpark Theatre Arts Department presents fall production “Nell Gwynn”
Sean McCarthy and Kat Gutierrez perform in ‘Nell Gwynn’ on Sunday, Oct. 10 in Moorpark, CA. Photo credit: Valeri Roussak
October 22, 2021
Moorpark Theatre Arts Department returned to live on-campus performances featuring the fall production, “Nell Gwynn.”
The performance took place from Oct. 7 to Oct. 17 on the second floor of the parking garage on the south side of campus. A livestream option was available on YouTube as well.
Theatre Arts Director Suzanne Fagan expressed her excitement for this year’s fall production to take place in person.
“We are so happy to take over a parking garage for our fall production,” said Fagan. “It feels rewarding to rehearse again in person and to have actual eye-to-eye contact.”
With this being the first time the Theatre Arts Department had ever held a live performance in a parking garage, it made sure to take advantage of the space, according to Scenic Designer Brian Koehler.
“There was no way to hide the parking garage, so instead of trying to ignore the fact that we were in a parking garage we embraced it,” explained Koehler. “Not only did “Nell Gwynn” need to be designed, but the whole venue needed to be designed. It takes a lot of scenic pieces to create the environment we were after.”
The production featured three different sets with multiple scenes, and the audience was able to view the production from center stage and from the left and right.
“Nell Gwynn” takes place in the 17th century’s Restoration Period, when females weren’t prominent to perform and rehearse lines. Gwynn, alternately played by Moorpark’s Erin Baxter and Jade Morrisey, was one of the first female actors to perform on stage that was heavily male-dominated.
As she rose to popularity, she caught the attention of King Charles and had to decide whether she would dedicate her life living in the palace or performing on stage. Baxter shared her explanation of what Gwynn embodies.
“Nell Gwynn is a real historical figure; she’s the first woman to step on stage and become a female actor,” explained Baxter. “She has a very sarcastic persona and is not apologetic.”
More information about future events by the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department can be viewed here.
