The sound of laughter from the audience exploded as campus students transformed themselves into actors and comedians for their performance of Moliere’s “The Love Doctor” on Nov. 7.

The drama class performed their rendition of the romantic comedy in two chapels for the elementary, junior high, and high school students. The class also took their act on the road and performed at the Sunrise Convalescent Home on Nov. 8.

“The drama’s performance was really good,” Susan Portugal, ’03, said. “Of the different performances drama has done in chapel, this is definitely the best one yet.”

After focusing on serious subjects last year, the drama expanded their content and surprised many with their performance of this French comedy set in the 17th century.

In the play, Greg Tharpe, ’04, portrays a narrow-minded father who refuses to allow his lovesick daughter, Lucinda (Katie Haskin, ’03), to marry. Lisette, a scheming maid played by Lacy Hearnsberger, ’03, formulates a plan to manipulate Tharpe into unknowingly allowing for his daughter’s marriage to her true love Clitander (Jesse Madsen, ’05).

“It was so entertaining to watch Lacy perform,” Portugal said. “She gave her character a definite personality. It was very interesting to watch her plan unfold as she helped Lucinda be able to marry.”

Many students enjoyed watching the interaction the actors had with each other and with the audience.

“I enjoyed watching ?The Love Doctor’,” Jordan Hogue, ?06, said. “Jesse Madsen had a spectacular performance and was extremely funny. The reaction Tharpe had after he realized he had been tricked was hilarious.”

Besides proving their acting skills in performing a practiced play, this year drama students have also expanded their skills in the field of improvisation. Drama performed an improvisation act known as “Theater Sports” at the Fifth Quarter on Nov. 8.

“Drama’s performance at Fifth Quarter was really good,” Jenny Ficklin, ’04, said. “Doing improvisation allowed the students to show their individual talents.”

The next project drama is working on is a play written by Tom McEntee called “Places Everyone” which they will perform in chapel on Dec. 5.