Editor,
I recently attended my first play that was put on by the UNM theatre department. In order to accurately describe the profound enlightenment I experienced, I feel I must disclose my political affiliation - I am a Republican.
The play was titled "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told," and it is best described as a gay interpretation of the Bible. I am a practicing Christian and I read the Bible regularly, and, needless to say, I have my beliefs about homosexuality. As a practicing Christian, I decided to go into this with an open mind and a willingness to accept something new.
I was pleasantly surprised. First, I feel that the theatre department is underrated and does not get the respect it deserves. The actors were some of the best I have seen, and they had a chemistry that is rare - even groups that have worked together for many years do not have the chemistry these fine specimens exhibited. The entire audience was captivated by the story, which in the end had a good message of love, understanding and tolerance. It seemed that everyone lost themselves from beginning to end.
The stage, props and lighting were masterfully done - in recent memory I cannot recall better. It was evident there was a sense of pride that went into this production, come from what source it may. The props complemented the humor the play exhibited, while also representing familiar objects and provoking a laugh themselves.
I was taken away by the professionalism of the aforementioned aspects of the play, but what really blew me away were the costumes - it was worth it to go to the play just to see these. I believe the costume designers were Stephanie Lewis and Cassidy Zachary - both should be commended on a superb job. Never before have I seen amateur theatre with such professional appeal. I know the theatre department does not have a large budget, but the available materials were used in a most appropriate fashion. The costumes had a contemporary-meets-old-school fashion to them. They personified the characters with no verbal communication being needed.
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The play has since ended its run, but if I, a staunch Republican, can go and thoroughly enjoy an Adam-and-Steve interpretation of the Bible, it says volumes about our underrated theatre department.
Please take the time to go and enjoy the next production they put on, because if it is a quarter of the play this one was, it will be an outstanding production. I applaud all those involved and will be in the front row of all coming attractions - a job well done.
T. Strom Field
UNM student
