Based on a novel written in 1782 by Choderlos de Laclos, the story has lived through many adaptations. The novel fell out of favor for many years, but was adapted for stage, and later screen by Christopher Hampton, and has since enjoyed a renewed popularity.

In 1982, Hampton’s screen adaptation Dangerous Liaisons starred John Malkovich and Glenn Close. In 1989 the story was reinterpreted again as Valmont, starring Colin Firth and Annette Bening. It was adapted again in 1999 under the title Cruel Intentions, and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Selma Blair, and Reese Witherspoon.

Director Donald Seay acknowledges that some people may find the content of the play challenging and disturbing. “It is the perverse story of two venomous rivals who, for their own amusement and to settle scores, seduce and corrupt a young lady and a pious married woman.”

“It is certainly a very interesting script, though, and presents some wonderful acting and design opportunities for our faculty and students.”

BFA acting student Stephanie Recio is performing the role of Le Presidente de Tourvel, a virtuous young married woman known for her strict morals and religious fervor.

“This is one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever taken on,” says Recio. “Doc [Seay] has collected a group of actors on this play who were ready to accept a challenge. This is a difficult play, but I’m excited to be on stage with people who I trust and people who are giving it their all.”

Recio says her character is one of the few in the play who has redeeming qualities. “I think Tourvel bears all of the innocence in a play that is really harsh and cruel. When I first read it, I had a lot of trouble understanding my character—how could she not see through these people? Tourvel gives everyone the benefit of the doubt.”

The play is set during an opulent time, and the scenic and costume designs reflect that. The realistic set was designed by Joseph Rusnock, who also designed the grand sets for Theatre UCF’s Deathtrap and Side Show. The elaborate costumes are designed by Daniel M. Jones and for the most part have been built in the costume shop by Theatre UCF staff and students.

“The costumes are beautiful!” says Recio. “My dress is three or four feet wide, which makes it hard to move around. It helps me with period movement, though. There’s only so much the language can do to put you in a time period. The costume restricts how I move. Standing up from a couch was different in the 1700s, and the dress helps me move in a way more fitting to the time.”

Seay warns against looking too deeply into the script for hidden messages.

“If there is a message to Les Liaisons Dangereuses, it is certainly ambiguous. And is perhaps this very ambiguity that makes the story successful. It allows the audience member the freedom to interpret the tale. The wit and eloquence of the characters is certainly engaging and, like a good mystery, the questions of ‘Who is sincere? What is true?’ holds your attention,” he said.

“Like a train wreck, the story reels you in—it engages you, troubles you and at times chills your blood. If I had to pick a message I suppose it would have something to do about the dangers of trying to win at any cost.”

Theatre UCF is on the UCF campus near the intersection of ����ֱ�� Boulevard and Alafaya Trail. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays. This show is not appropriate for children.

To purchase tickets or for ticket information call the box office at 407-823-1500. Standard tickets are $20 ($18 for seniors; $10 for students) and group rates are available. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, available through the Theatre UCF box office. UCF offers accommodations to make the theatre more accessible to patrons with disabilities; for assistance, call the box office in advance.

Production at a glance:

Les Liaisons Dangereuses

By Christopher Hampton

Adapted from the novel by Choderlos de Laclos

Directed by Don Seay

Jan. 17-19, 24-26 at 8 p.m.

Jan. 20, 27 at 2 p.m.

Main Stage Theater

Price: Standard $20, Senior $18, Student $10; Group discounts available

Address: 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando FL 32816

Box Office Phone: 407-823-1500

Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday: noon to 6 p.m. and 2 hours before performances

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For more information about Theatre UCF, visit .

“The Sideshow of Side Show” is an exhibition of student-created and sideshow-themed artworks that will be displayed throughout the run of Theatre UCF’s production of Bill Krieger and Henry Russell’s musical Side Show, which runs Oct. 25 through Nov. 4. The artwork will be displayed in the lobby of the theatre building (TH-6).

The exhibition began as an opportunity for the UCF Theatre and School of Visual Arts &Design departments to work together. The exhibit will feature the works of advanced painting students in faculty member Carla Poindexter’s class.

The 24 pieces of art featured in “The Sideshow of Side Show” exhibition are unique in subject and message. Some replicate the style of historical sideshow banners with dark humor and irony. Other paintings deal with historical versus contemporary issues related to ethics and exploitation of the sideshow/circus performers and their audiences. Others are simply entertaining and whimsical.

Director Earl Weaver hopes the exhibit will help set the mood for theatre-goers. “Patrons of the circus or side show are surrounded with visual stimuli that enhance their experience: the smell of the popcorn, the sound of the calliope, the brightly colored posters. We are hoping to re-create a piece of that experience for our patrons with this art exhibit. From the time patrons enter our theatre building, we want them to have the full sideshow experience, all the way through the end of the show.”

The resulting paintings and other artworks in the exhibition are visual responses to Theatre UCF’s lobby space; the actual props, costumes, and set designs in the upcoming play; and the content of the script from both a historical perspective and contemporary perspectives.

“Throughout art history, visual artists have produced everything from set designs and costumes to hand bills for theatrical productions,” said associate professor of art Carla Poindexter. “This project gave our advanced painting students an opportunity to learn how to collaborate with the theatre to create paintings and mixed media artworks that not only support the production but also stand alone as a compelling exhibition of accomplished individual pieces.”

Early in the fall semester, the Theatre department presented the script and design inspirations to the advanced painting class. Scenic designer Joseph Rusnock reviewed the set inspiration and plans, costume designer Huaixaing Tan presented costume mock-ups, and Weaver talked about the script and Theatre UCF’s specific production. Students then toured the theatre lobby, where the art will be displayed for further inspiration.

The painting students also studied significant historical paintings with sideshow-related themes, including carnival-inspired works of Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Diego Rivera, and James Ensor. Students also studied the carnival’s “golden age” of art by sideshow banner painters, including the historical but little known works of Johnny Meak and Norman Lewis.

“With programs in digital media, architecture, film, and art all wrapped up into one school, the school of Visual Arts and Design is naturally a group that needs to collaborate” says Paul Lartonoix, director of the School of Visual Arts and Design.  “When the opportunity came up for SVAD to partner with Theatre on Side Show, I thought it was an excellent idea—a special situation where the students can craft their pieces around a theme of a theatrical production. It’s a fun and exciting topic with lots of avenues to explore. A focused topic forces the students to work within parameters and in this case, to work outside the normal ‘client’ experience. It truly is very exciting.”

The exhibition is free, but tickets are required to see the musical. To purchase tickets or for ticket information call the box office at 407-823-1500. Standard tickets are $20 ($18 for seniors; $10 for students) and group rates are available. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, available through the Theatre UCF box office. UCF offers accommodations to make the theatre more accessible to patrons with disabilities; for assistance, call the box office in advance.

Theatre UCF is on the UCF campus near the intersection of ����ֱ�� Boulevard and Alafaya Trail in east Orlando. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Production at a glance:

Side Show

Book and lyrics by Bill Russell; Music by Henry Krieger

Directed by Earl D. Weaver

Oct. 25, 26, 27, Nov. 1, 2, 3 at 8:00 p.m.

Oct. 28, Nov. 4 at 2:00 p.m.

Main Stage Theatre

Price: Standard $20, Senior $18, Student $10; Group discounts available

Address: 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando FL 32816

Box Office Phone: (407) 823-1500

Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday:  noon to 6 p.m. and 2 hours before performances

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