January 25-27th, 2013
PepsiCo Theatre, Fairfield University
Theatre Fairfield, Fairfield University's resident production company, opens its 2013 theatrical season with an Independent Project production of "How I Learned to Drive," Paula Vogel's 1998 Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Student proposed, conceived, and produced, "How I Learned to Drive" will be a completely student-driven production. Performances take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26, 2013, and at 2 p.m. Saturday January 26 and Sunday January 27, 2013, at the PepsiCo Theatre on Fairfield University's campus. Tickets are $7 for General Admission, and $5 for Students. Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396), and online at www.quickcenter.com. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of performance at the PepsiCo Theatre, but are subject to availability. The PepsiCo Theatre is located at 1073 North Benson Road, on the campus of Fairfield University, in Fairfield, CT. This production was made possible by the generous support of the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation.
"The Independent Project offers a valuable opportunity to learn the ins and outs of putting on a play under 'real world' circumstances," said Fairfield University theatre major Michael Maio '13, who is directing this year's production. "The company returned early from winter break and labored tirelessly over the past three weeks to put together a show we are proud of that is completely our own."
Paula Vogel's "How I Learned to Drive" tells the story of Lil' Bit, a young woman reflecting on her life and the relationships she has had. It focuses on one relationship in particular, her relationship with an older man. Vogel's play challenges society's conception of what love is and what defines a healthy, stable connection. "This play makes us all look at our concept of love and stretch out minds," explains Maio, who chose it for this year's project. "It forces us to face some difficult subject matters, and leaves us to ponder why humans are the way they are, is it nature vs. nurture? The show itself is also witty, funny, and thought-provoking. The characters are larger-than-life, and all are challenges for our performers. We wanted a show that would challenge the audience and the entire company."
The cast and crew of Theater Fairfield's "How I Learned to Drive" includes: director Michael Maio (Seekonk, MA); scenic designer Joe Plouffe '13 (Brockton, MA); Maggie Greene '15 (Portland, OR), as Lil' Bit; Plouffe as Peck; Brendan Freeman '15 (Shrewsbury, MA), as Male Greek Chorus; Katie Premus '15 (Staten Island, NY), as Teenage Greek Chorus; and DiMenna-Nyselius reference librarian Elise Bochinski as Female Greek Chorus. Ms. Bochinski, the only non-student member of the company, returns to Theatre Fairfield after playing the Nurse in "Romeo & Juliet," and the Teacher/ Reporter in last year's Independent Project "Speech & Debate." The crew on this production includes, Kelan McDonnell '15 (Winfield, IL); Ryan Champlin '16 (Warwick, RI); Mary Corigliano '14 (Old Saybrook, CT); Logan Pratt '15 (Cohasset, MA); and Christina Barry '15 (Leominster, MA).
The Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation provides educational and career development opportunities in the arts. The Hulley Foundation accepts student proposals and has previously supplied funds for Theatre Fairfield's Independent Project.
Image: Rehearsing a scene from Theatre Fairfield's production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "How I Learned to Drive" are Fairfield University's Joe Plouffe '13, as Peck, and Maggie Greene '15, as Lil' Bit (left-to-right).
Media Contact: Mike Horyczun, (203) 254-4000 ext. 2647, mhoryczun@fairfield.edu
Posted on January 17, 2013
Vol. 45, No. 153
Ron Miller is not your ordinary student. In fact, very little about him is ordinary. He is a very unique individual who, literally, has his eyes on the goal of earning an associate degree. His story illustrates the depths of human determination and the importance of never giving up, despite the odds.At 45, Miller is like other Excelsior students who want to finish the education they started some time ago. But unlike his classmates who are balancing life’s demands while pursuing their degrees, Miller is balancing life itself. He has ALS, a neuromuscular disease, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS destroys nerves that control muscles and progressively leaves those with it unable to move, speak, eat, and breathe. While the body loses function, the mind doesn’t. There isn’t a cure and most people with ALS usually pass on within two to five years of being diagnosed. Miller has beaten the odds. It’s been 14 years since he was diagnosed.Miller has a drive and positive attitude most of us can only imagine. He says his determination comes from his competitive nature to always push himself to be the best he can. He remembers when he was first diagnosed and the neurologist advised him to return home to get his affairs in order because he had, at most, two years to live. That didn’t sit well with Miller. He fully intended to prove the doctor wrong.“I have been fortunate enough to be one of five percent of people who have lived beyond ten years and I don’t want to squander such a gift. Making a difference is important to me and worth the battle,” Miller said philosophically. Completely paralyzed from the nose down, he uses eye-gaze computer technology to take classes and communicate with his family, friends, and nurses who provide his care. “I can do almost anything with only my eyes,” he adds. The eye-gaze computer Miller uses tracks eye movements with an on-screen keyboard that “clicks” based on the amount of time he spends looking at an intended target.
Despite his ability to make the most from his situation, adjusting to living with ALS can be a long process, just like the disease. In Miller’s case, every physical loss became a reason to find a different way to accomplish a task. He was 31 when his symptoms began, 33 at diagnosis, and is not ready to give in to the disease.Miller craved something more from life and decided to enroll at Excelsior College to finish the education he started years ago. Living in a long-term, acute-care hospital the only activity he got regularly was from the TV and the Internet. Miller decided that finishing his education would give him the skills to be a better advocate for ALS awareness.Since his diagnosis, the advances in technology changed considerably and the possibility of a new career was not out of the question. His eye-gaze controlled computer he uses for school challenges Miller’s mind and computer abilities. He enrolled in the Liberal Arts program at Excelsior not knowing if he would be able to complete an associate degree. He is now thinking a bachelor’s degree is a possibility and his excitement is evident.
