The BYU theater department has great expectations for Friday, May 17, opening of the spring play.

The fine art department's production of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" will be performed in the Pardoe Theater. Events begin with two nights of half-priced admission starting tonight.

The book, adapted for stage by Barbara Field, is about a poor orphan that has great expectations for his life. Pip, the young boy, dreams of life as a wealthy gentleman and has no desire to take up his uncle's blacksmithing business.

Eric Samuelsen, a professor in the theater department and the director of the play, said this play has two strong themes: Pip's growth from a selfish boy to a repentant man and a beautiful love story.

Melissa Leilani Larson, a graduate student from Provo in the theater critical studies program and assistant director of the play, said Samuelsen has a specific vision for the play.

"It is all about forgiveness and redemption," she said. "It has given the piece a strong spiritual center."

Through the eyes of the audience, the character Magwitch becomes almost like the Christ figure, Larson said. Through his sacrifice and example he becomes the moral center of the show.

The lead in the play, Doug Kaufman, a sophomore from Monroe, Conn., majoring in theater, said the theme of the story is similar to Shakespeare's idea of "to thine own self be true."

Kaufman said Pip's character reminds the audience of the importance of who we are and contains a strong message.

Dickens' writing can be very symbolic, he said.

"At every rehearsal you learn something new in the symbolism," Kaufman said.

Samuelsen said he is very excited about the opening of the play.

"I'm a nut for Dickens," he said. "I just love all the strange and eccentric characters."

Samuelsen said he is also very proud of his cast. He said using only 10 actors has produced a great show.

"We have an excellent, excellent cast playing multiple roles, with a beautiful set, and wonderful costumes," he said.

With one set, the characters use narration to carry the audience through the story.

Great Expectations will open in the Pardoe Theater May 15 and will run through June 1.

Copyright Brigham Young University 14 May 2002