CF presents “The Illusion” on stage Oct. 22-25

College of Central Florida theatre students invite the community to step inside a magician’s cave when they present “The Illusion” by Tony Kushner. First performed in 1990, the play is a retelling of a 17th century French comedy, “L’Illusion Comique.”

Directed by Visual and Performing Arts faculty member RJ Magee, the play mixes romance, humor, mystery and suspense. The story begins around a wealthy father searching for his estranged son, and a magician who uses her powers to help. The magician’s repeatedly changing illusions lead the father, and the audience, to question what parts are real and what are not.

“I chose the play because its heightened language, vibrant characters and supernatural environment makes it a wonderful challenge for our outstanding student actors, as well as our incredible faculty design team,” Magee said. “In conjunction with this summer’s reorganization of our costume shop, this production will be a true celebration of our department’s incredible costume collection, with certain pieces appearing onstage that haven’t been showcased in decades.”

Magee said that he thinks the play feels very contemporary and timeless, despite its Renaissance source material. With sword fights, gorgeous costume choices, and an elaborate stage design, Magee thinks this show will delight audiences.

Student Isaac Jovel plays three characters – Calisto, Clindor and Theogenes – and each is possibly the missing son. He said he thinks audiences will be able to relate to the play’s language and humanity.

“It’s also very action-packed,” Jovel said. “It all blends to give a very interesting atmosphere for the audience. The action is very entangled in the audience, which makes the experience different, as well as the depths of the scenery and the 3-D sound design. It’s really like the audience is in the cave with them.”

Willow Forbes, who plays the main character of the wizard Alcandra, said she thinks audiences will also laugh and get caught up in the central mystery and whimsy of the story. Forbes has been in every CF theatre production for the last three years, and this is her second lead role.

“My character wants to be omnipotent and in control, but she’s also a big theater nerd, so she’s putting on a show, in a way,” Forbes said. “She has all these big dramatic moments, she talks to the audience, and some parts are very funny.”

The production features a cast of 15 students on stage and a team of 10, both students and staff, behind the scenes.

“As is the case with all of CF’s theatre productions, the faculty design team, cast, and crew are comprised of personnel from a variety of academic pathways,” Magee said. “These interdepartmental collaborations allow for CF’s productions to truly show off the skills of the college.”

The play’s structure includes original music by Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct Professor Joshua Mazur, original set design by Fine Arts Center Manager Mario Cieri, and additional original costume designs by Visual and Performing Arts Assistant Professor Abigail Stallings.

Showtimes for “The Illusion” are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-24, and 3 p.m. Oct. 25. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students and can be purchased at cf.universitytickets.com or by calling 352-873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid I.D. The Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center is located on the Ocala Campus.

For more information about CF Visual and Performing Arts events, visit CF.edu/theatre.