Valencia’s Theatre Season Kicks Off with “The Seven Year Itch”

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Valencia College’s set design for the new production of The Seven-Year itch. The play makes a comeback after featuring on the school’s 35th anniversary.

Diego Galicia Rojas, Contributing Writer

Valencia College’s 2017 theater season kicked off on Friday, February 17 at the Black Box Theater on East Campus with the romantic comedy play “The Seven-Year Itch.”

With two charismatic young leads in Sean Kemp and Chloe Brewer, the sold-out show drew a very diverse crowd. This is the second time Valencia has done this particular piece, with the last time being on the college’s 35th anniversary.

Set in the 1950s, the story follows a married man who suddenly feels attracted to a good-looking new neighbor and must battle between his newfound desire and the love of his wife.

Eric Pinder, whose prolific career in Orlando makes him a coveted name, directs the production, with a cast comprised of Valencia students.

“Our take is racier than the film,” said Pinder, when asked why Valencia students should watch the show before it ends on February 26.

Roberto Da Lima, an avid local theater supporter, has only good things to say about Pinder.

“I’ve seen Eric Pinder a few times at Orlando’s Fringe Festival,” Da Lima said. “He’s a fantastic actor and the plays he directed for the Florida Opera Theatre were all fantastic.”

The Seven-Year Itch was no exception, as the clever dialogue was perfectly executed by the hilarious cast, earning consistent laughs from the crowd along the way.

The entire cast pleasantly surprised Fábio Anderson, a local community member, who heard about the play from his grandchildren.

“The two leads really knocked it out of the park,” Anderson said. “Everything really felt like the 50s, the dialogue, the setting, and I should know, since I actually lived through them. The rest of the cast also contributed quality moments, it was a good team effort.”

Sydney Annas, a Valencia College student and fellow actress, came to support her colleagues and friends.

“This was a great play that won’t leave anyone indifferent,” Annas said. “It adds a bit of a modern take on it, but still honors the original material.”

The play had its start on Broadway in 1952 and even inspired a movie of the same name starring none other than Marilyn Monroe. She brought to life one of cinema’s most iconic images when her white dress got buffeted up as she walked through a subway grate.

This is the first Valencia play of the calendar year, but there are more to come. Creations: Births of Mythology will have its run from April 7 to April 16. The Student-Directed One Act Plays will occur on April 21 and 22. Finally, Next to Normal will play from June 9 to June 18.

Creations: Birth of Mythology is an original work by John DiDonna, a respected Valencia College professor. Focusing on Greek mythology, the production will mix dance, music, storytelling, movement, and large-scale puppetry. Casting is currently in the final phase.

The Student One-Act Plays are part of Valencia’s Acting II classes and are performed at the Lowndes Shakespeare Theatre. Admission is free.