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The Illusion
Tony Kushner (freely adapted from Pierre Corneille’s L’Illusion Comique)
Opening Date:
September 6, 1996
Closing Date:
September 28, 1996
A remorseful father seeks a magician’s help to discover the fate of the son he banished. Through enchanted visions of love, betrayal, and apparent tragedy, Tony Kushner’s adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s classic celebrates the power of theatrical illusion.
Cast & Crew
CAST: Nick Backes (Pridament); Joshua Koehn (Amanuensis/Geronte); Vikki Simer (Alcandra); J. Matthew Wullenwaber (Calisto/Clindor/Theogenes); Malisa Langdon (Melibea/Isabelle/Hippolyta); Sky Young (Elicia/Lyse/Clarina); Jon Womastek (Pleribo/Adraste/Prince Florilame); Terry Veal (Matamore)
CREW: Rhonda Clark (Director); Joe Daleo (Technical Director, Lighting Design); Nick Backes (Scenic Design); Mary Freeh (Costume Design); JoLynne Lair and John E. Langford (Stage Managers); Mona Cross (Running Crew); J. Matthew Wullenwaber (Fight Choreography); Rene’ Taylor (Wig Stylist); Ron Martin (Executive Director); Lysandra Dial (Box Office Manager)
Production Notes
Season 13 opener. Original CST page lists September 5–28, 1996; contemporary press identifies September 6 as public opening, used in the opening-date field. The original archive misspells director Rhonda Clark as “Rhnoda Clark”; normalized here. Kushner’s original note credits Brian Kulick with prompting the adaptation and says the text includes substantial new material rather than direct translation. Franci Hart’s September 20, 1996, Oklahoman review, “It’s No Illusion: Actors Terrific,” praised the acting while finding the play wordy. Special thanks: Masquerade Costume Shop & Tuxedo Rental; George Williams; Suzanne Charney; City Arts Center; Troy Wilson; Oklahoma Children’s Theatre; Donna Simer; Doobie Potter; J. Shane McClure; Rene’ Taylor; Clyde Martin; Lane Whitesell. Produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publications, Inc. Surviving CST photograph captioned “Vikki Simer in THE ILLUSION.”
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