I did not have high expectations for this play. That is not to say that I went into the play thinking it would be horrible. I didn’t. I went into the play with an open mind, but without any previous notions. I heard that it was meant to be humor- ous, but I am normally not a huge fan of humor in television or plays. It can become awkward and seem forced in order to get a laugh.

“Servant of Two Masters” performed by HPU students ex- ceeded any and all expectations. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as hard during a play as I did with this one. At the beginning, we sat toward the back in order to get a full view. However, after the rest of the audience sat down, it became difficult to see the action. We moved closer, sitting front and center, and it was the best decision we made all night. The play consists of a play inside of a play. The script knocks down the fourth wall, allowing the audience to take part and feel more engaged in the action. There were breaks, with actors and characters quizzing the audience on the plot and sto- ryline so far. In times of distress, characters came into the crowd and asked audience members for help. While they never pulled anyone on stage, it was perfect. Pulling people on stage creates an awkwardness for the audience member, making them feel forced into playing a part. Audiences being asked simple questions in or- der to garner their participation allows those feeling uncomfort- able to still fade into the crowd. As for the plot, the play tells the story of a servant that decides to deceive two masters by serving both of them. Traditionally, the servant would choose one master. However, he wanted to see if he could juggle them both, making double the income, and get away with it.

The servant, played by senior Madison Jordan, was a star. His performance was full of hilarity, style, and perfect comedic timing. Comedic timing is a technique that is extremely difficult to teach. It is something that you have or you do not. Madison Jordan has it. Among some of the other standout performances was senior Fiona White. Her subtle comedy was perfection as well as her dedication to her role. Much of Fiona’s part included her speaking directly to the audience, giving quizzes and exposition. She did a fantastic job of engaging the audience even while in character; she spoke to me at one point, asking me if I could help her. When I did not respond immediately, her improvisation was hilarious: “Well, try and help, would you?” she said. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the show’s entertainment. They created jokes out of awkwardness as well as incorporating jokes about the university into the show. Example: In giving directions, one should turn by the fountain past the brick building, then turn at the fountain and walk past the brick building. The references had the crowd in stitches, clapping and singing along with every song and dance.