The Fan: A Review--Revised

Following my extreme dislike of the University of Portland production of The House of Bernarda Alba, one might say I was not eagerly awaiting seeing The Fan. Although I enjoyed certain parts of Bernarda Alba, it simply was not entertaining for me, and I felt like I had an obligation to see the next production. One, because I was to be in the production immediately following this one Two that it was required, and three because I had friends in the show that I wanted to support. To my extreme delight and amazement I fell in love with The Fan. I was completely stunned of the difference that I had envisioned and what was put on stage.

The Fan was the first play that I auditioned for in my college career. I knew the moment I walked into auditions—when I was surrounded by multiple experienced, talented actors—that I was in no way going to be cast in this play. During auditions I was confused and lost. I had no idea of what the play was about or what the characters were like. And in addition to that the wording and phrases that they use were outdated and without any comedy that I could detect. I thought it to be a dull, uneventful, outdated play, and I—in all honesty—did not want to be part of it. Boy was I wrong. The Cast sheet went up and I saw some familiar names on it. I prayed that they would be able to bring this play into a different light and that they would have a fun time, although I thought that the play itself would be dull, and bland.

I was constantly getting comments from people who were working on the play, both onstage and offstage, of how fun and exciting it was. I simply dismissed these comments as stage excitement, pride in one’s own play. I would occasionally peak in to see how the set was progressing, or lack there of. And I was lucky enough to see the costumes backstage during one of the first dress rehearsals. Perhaps the most influential person for me was, in fact, not a person at all but rather the “Hunting Dog” Kaya. Kristina invited me one day to walk Kaya the Dog one day and I agreed half-heartedly, for the colder season was beginning. Kaya was great, and she quickly befriended me. That was the final straw, I had to see the show now.

I had seen entertaining plays in High School (and I’m not going to lie, some were much better then The Fan) and The Fan easily ranks in with some of my favorites. With low expectations I got my ticket and sat down admiring the set. When Andrew first came on stage, I thought, “This is an interesting approach.” Then the actors continued to pour onto the stage, and the fun began. All of the characters had their own little feature, each person was distinctively different in regards to their mannerisms and language. Each of them had their own little quirks, most notably Will as the Count and Pat as Don Cedro. All of which added to a hilarious comedy that was purely fun. The actors never stumbled on the strange words, but rather used them to enhance the comedy. The characters were well defined and Kaya never disappointed me. It was truly a great experience, one so great that I went and got a ticker for the following night.

Although I had low expectations following auditions, the fact that I greatly enjoyed The Fan only goes to prove that one cannot judge a play strictly through a reading, or superficial understanding. The characters were excellent and the comedy was pure, I hope UP continues to produce entertaining plays such as this one for as long as I am a student here and beyond. I do not believe I would wish to change anything other then this; that I wish I had been part of this production.