Why is Dan Clay, Upper School theater director, so excited about this year’s fall play, “The Love of Three Oranges”? Perhaps it’s the fun Commedia dell’Arte style that it tackles, based on classic Italian fairytale parodies with a pinch of Three Stooges-esque slapstick comedy.
The comedic play is a modernized version of a 16th century Italian story that mirrors the type of traveling theater typical of the era. This contemporary adaptation, however, follows a miserable, hypochondriacal prince, played by Paige Dunlap ’14, who, cursed by an evil, rapping witch, Caroline Hunter ’14, endeavors to find his true loves, three giant oranges. Adding to the chaos and hilarity of the show are a slow-witted king, a princess with violent tendencies, and a sassy demon.
Clay told Scholium, “The play is different from the previous plays we’ve done; it involves a lot of physical slapstick comedy.” It also differs from previous fall Domino productions due to its more mature humor and more physical acting requirements. Phil Atkins, who specializes in physical theatre, will be rehearsing alongside the actors in the show to provide professional guidance. Clay also praised the dedicated cast that has been putting in extra rehearsal time, maintaining positive attitudes, and mastering a complex and rather physical script.
The Domino Board, focused on pushing theatrical boundaries this year, is excited for the more experimental nature of this show, in both its humor and its hands-on, physical challenges. Senior Domino Board member Margaret LeBoeuf ’13, commented, “It’s a lot sillier than previous plays and involves the audience much more than in past years. I think everyone involved is just generally so happy to be a part of this.”
With a cast that includes Maria Burke ’14 as the amusing jester Truffaldino, Domino Board member Megan Kilcullen ’13 as the wild narrator, and many of Episcopal’s talented young thespians, it is guaranteed to have the audience rolling in the aisles.
“The Love of Three Oranges” premiers Friday, October 26th at 7:30 pm in the Ridgeway Blackbox Theatre, with matinee and night performances Saturday, October 27th.

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