by Michael Reilly

Oswego, NY- The Oswego State theater department’s production of Jon Jory’s adaptation of the Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice, directed by theater professor Mya Brown, begins this weekend. Alexandra Matsu stars as Elizabeth Bennet, a woman looking to break away from the strict social norms she’s expected to follow in 19th century England. Matsu says the play’s message is about staying true to your feelings.    

 “Open your heart and to keep your heart open and don’t allow yourself to be affected by the noise of outside life,” she said.

Stage Director Emily Stott says giving the show a more modern feel makes it more powerful.

“To incorporate a contemporary heartbeat allows us to revitalize the show,” she said. “It provides a relatability to the audience, a modern feel.”

Also starring in the production is Cadi Hannold as Mrs. Bennet, Evan Debevec-McKenney as Mr. Bennet, Logan Colby-Rowe as Jane Bennet, Marisa Miner as Mary Bennet, Kayla Bonesera as Kitty Bennet, and Sean Ryan as Mr. Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice’s first preview performance will be on Apr. 20 at 7:30PM at the Waterman Theater in Tyler Hall, with opening night on Apr. 21. Performances will continue on Apr. 22 and 29 at 7:30PM and Apr. 30 at 2:30PM. Tickets are $15 to the general public and $7 for Oswego State students with ID.

Madison Doner, WTOP10-TV

OSWEGO, NY- Thursday October 27, 2016 kicked off a week of celebration for the newly renovated Tyler Hall beginning with the 12th Annual Lewis B O’Donnell Media Summit.

The first phase of the renovations took two-years and cost $22.2 million. Some of the renovations include state-of-the-art performance, rehearsal, recording and gallery spaces.

According to SUNY Oswego’s website, “Tyler Hall is such a public building. It’s where the college really gets to shine and show off its performing arts as well as its visual arts,” said Julie Pretzat, Dean of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts.

Tyler Hall held a Take Two debut open house on Friday, October 28. They welcomed members of the Oswego community, students, faculty, and alumni at their red carpet event.

Sophomore Communications student, Kelly Smith said “From the outside you would never assume that the inside was so beautiful. The art gallery may be the best part.”

The current exhibition is named ‘Restart’, which is meant to address the concept of new beginnings and fresh starts. The Art Gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This years Media Summit was also held in the newly renovated Waterman Theatre. The new space has a capacity of 450 people with accessibility for those with disabilities.

The current performance to celebrate the grand reopening this past weekend is conducted by SUNY Oswego Theatre and Music departments creating a contemporary twist on the classic musical “The Wizard of Oz”.