'Proof' explores familiar family problems

'No way I'm going to see that," was my adamant response when my husband suggested we include the drama "Proof" during our theatergoing week in New York in 2000.

My objection to David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award- winning Broadway play was because I hate math, and "Proof" centers on two mathematicians.

However, after seeing the spellbinding performance starring Mary Louise Parker at the Walter Kerr Theatre, I learned math can be fascinating.

"Proof" opens Thursday at the Charleston Acting Studio and Theatre on James Island, to be directed by Jo Ellen Aspinwall.

In an interview during a break in her day job, Aspinwall, who has an MFA in directing from the University of Southern Mississippi, says, "When I first read 'Proof' five years ago, I knew this was something I really wanted to direct because it deals with problems faced by many families. Also, I believe it will become increasingly relevant as the baby boomers age."

"Proof" revolves around Catherine 25, a math major at the University of Chicago, who had to drop out of college to take care of Robert, her ill father.

A retired math professor who is widely considered to be a mathematical genius, Robert has become so physically and mentally ill that he can't be left alone.

But in a flashback, the play opens as Robert, in a seemingly normal manner, is counseling Catherine about her life choices. It is also the day before a major event occurs in their lives.

"Because Catherine's life has revolved around her father for at least two years, she needs to decide what direction she should now take," says Aspinwall.

The director adds, "In a small way, I can identify with Catherine because I was the primary caregiver for my grandmother for two years because both my parents worked. Since I worked only part time, I was able to spend the rest of the time with my grandmother, giving me a sense of what Catherine went through."

Because a strain of mental illness runs in their family, Catherine worries about her own stability. Adding to her disorientation, her older sister, Clare, a successful New York businesswoman, insists that Catherine move from Chicago to New York, where Clare can keep an eye on her.

A subplot is that Catherine has begun a burgeoning relationship with Hal, 28, an assistant professor whom Robert had mentored.

Hal also seems extraordinarily interested in perusing Robert's latest mathematical analyses, which could be used to benefit his own career.

Since Aspinwall hasn't seen either the 2005 film version of "Proof" starring Gwyneth Paltrow or the stage production, she notes, "This is good because I won't be influenced by other productions."

Portraying Catherine is a theater graduate of the College of Charleston, Charlene Boyd, who says, "Catherine is puzzling. She is in total charge one minute, and then completely lost the next minute. We eventually learn that she has been hiding an extraordinary secret, which contributes to her emotional upheaval."

Boyd then emphasizes, "Just remember, this play is not about math!"

Seasoned actor Bill Terranova portrays Robert, with Camila Frausto as Clare and Josh Keller as Hal. Produced by Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions, the show's technical director is Ryan Ahlert.

Performances of "Proof" are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, continuing April 14-16 and April 21-23 at the Charleston Acting Studio and Theatre behind Walgreens on Folly Road.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 senior citizens and $10 students and may be purchased by calling 795-2223, online at www.midtownproductions.org or at the door.

'Pride and Prejudice'

"Growing up, I loved Jane Austen's novels because they took social conventions about love and marriage and stood them on their heads," says Evan Parry, director of "Pride and Prejudice," adapted from Austen's 1813 novel.

An associate theater professor at the College of Charleston, Parry explains, " 'Pride and Prejudice' demonstrates that even though we all are inherently susceptible to prejudices and pride, we are also capable of breaking through our excessive self-centeredness when facing the selfless love for another person."

The play, which opens April 14, is a new adaptation by Jon Jory, former director of the Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Ky. Parry notes that Jory's interpretation brings the five Bennet sisters to life, especially the brainy Elizabeth Bennet, who encounters the enigmatic Mr. Darcy.

The student cast stars Jessica Mitchell as Elizabeth and Will Haden as Mr. Darcy. Others are Kaitlin Lieck, Darielle Deigan, George Metropolis and Nick Smithson.

Performances are at 8 p.m. April 14-16, continuing April 18 and 19, and 3 p.m., April 17 at the Robinson Theatre at the Albert Simons Center for the Arts, 54 St. Philip St.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $10 for College of Charleston students, faculty and staff and senior citizens 60 or older. For tickets, call 953-5604 or purchase at the door.

Reach Dottie Ashley at dottieashley@gmail.com.