Live prop guns, male flight attendants and dark surprises are only some of the qualities that Colorado Mesa University’s student-run production of “Bright Ideas” includes. The show begins with a happy tone that completely switches to a dark one.
The play follows Joshua and Genevra Bradley, a young married couple who are trying to get their three-year-old son into the best preschool in town, which happens to be called Bright Ideas. The parents want only the best for their child, and that means getting rid of anything or anyone who could stand in the way of his happiness.
“Bright Ideas” is directed by senior Samantha Cage, who chose the show, which was written in 2002 by Eric Cobale.
“This show really spoke to me because it’s a well-written dark comedy, and you don’t find those two things often,” Cage said.
The show was originally written for five actors to play 19 different characters, but Cage upgraded to six actors. Two actors, Michael Robinson and Katelyn Craig, play Joshua and Genevra, while four other actors play various teachers, family friends, other parents and flight crew. This casting style calls for quick costume changes and different voices for each character.
The story, although set in a normal and relatively happy situation and decorated with bright costumes and laughter, is deceivingly dark. The characters go from one tough decision to the next until it seems that they have reached the ultimate low point, all the while giggling at the comedic way these decisions are carried out.
“It’s just such an interesting concept of, like, a very realistic premise of concerned parents who want their kid to be the best he can be, and then it’s just taken to this ridiculous, farcical level,” Robinson said.
Auditions for “Bright Ideas” happened on the very first day of school, and in four weeks, the cast and crew have managed to create a full-fledged show. Opening night is September 14. Other show times are on the 15th and 16th. The play is a full two acts and lasts about two hours.
“It was a lot of research and just hard works,” said Cage, who can laugh about all that hard work now that it’s over with and she’s ended up with a final product.
Behind the scenes, the cast and crew have a very close-knit, friendly relationship between them, which probably starts with Cage’s friendly, laid-back personality.
The crew only had four weeks to prepare this show and will share their experience on opening night. Tickets are on sale for all students and community members. The show is staged in the Moss Performing Arts Center Black Box Theater.
