Proof

Stage West Community Theatre has already had an impressive theatre season, and it is about to get more impressive with the opening of the drama Proof next Thursday, Feb. 8, playing weekends through Sunday, Feb. 19. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning drama had a film adaption in 2005, starring Gwyneth Paltrow Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Written by David Auburn, it was produced on Broadway in 2000, and has featured actors Sara Jessica Parker (who won a Tony), Jennifer Jason Leigh and Anne Heche in the role of Catherine, and Josh Hamilton and Neil Patrick Harris as Hal.

"Proof "is an intimate play with only four cast members: The two sisters, Catherine (Jessica Virginia) and Claire (Alyssa Stevenson, making her Stage West debut), and their father, Robert, (George Dwyer), a math genius, who taught at the University of Chicago and who is recently deceased, and Hal (Dan Brijbag), his graduate student.

We meet Robert through flashbacks to understand the premise of the play. Robert is a mathematical genius, with some mental illness issues. Following his death, Hal, discovers a paradigm-shifting proof about prime numbers in Robert's office. Catherine is obsessed with demonstrating the proof's authenticity, and while working with Hal, develops a relationship with him. Catherine is fearful that she may be following in her father's footsteps, both mathematically and mentally, as she tries to reign in her feelings and stay in control of the situation.

Seasoned theatre veteran Patty Villegas, who last directed Odd Couple and has appeared on stage and backstage in many shows, is Director. Villegas said she chose to direct this show because it is such a character driven show. "I have known what I wanted to do with this show since the beginning," said Villegas, who admits she did not see the movie. "I prefer to cast my own vision as director."

Villegas says the premise of the play is very intriguing. "How many of us hated arithmetic when we were going to school, and whoever would think that a show about mathematics would be so engaging and rip your soul out," said Villegas of Proof . "It has all those 'mathy' words that scare the heck out of most of us. . . numbers, prime numbers, proofs and mathematical theorems."

Villegas feels confident her actors are up to the task of tackling this complex and thought provoking play.

Jessica Virginia has appeared in numerous leading roles at Stage West, with several Hami awards under her belt. She was last seen as Velma Kelly in Chicago . "She has been working her tail off in this show," laughed Villegas. "She has over 600 plus lines – it's her show, and it's all about math and math concepts. A tough role, but she is doing a phenomenal job with this character."

Dwyer is a multi Hami award winner, and Camelot fans may remember him for his role of Lancelot. Villegas says that Dwyer, playing the flashback role of the father, Robert, has excellent technique. "There is just nobody like George. He brings his soul to this role. He is just delightful as Robert."

Dan Brijbag is Hal. "This character can be kind of dorky, but Danny is a very, very strong actor, and he is just outstanding." Brijbag, too has multiple Hami awards. He most recently appeared as Mordred in Camelot and directed Lost in Yonkers last season.

Alyssa Stevenson, a recent Hernando High School graduate, is new to Stage West, but Villegas says she was perfect for this role. "Alyssa has the look and the dignity of the character. And she takes direction like a pro. She is just excellent."

Proof runs during weekends through Feb.19 at Stage West Community Theatre, in The Forum Theatre, located at 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd in Spring Hill. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10, and may be purchased at the box office Tuesdays, Wednesdays Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 to 2 p.m. or at the theatre one hour prior to each show. Tickets may also be purchased at the website at www.stagewest.net (a small service charge will apply). Call the box office at (352) 683-5113 for more information or to reserve tickets.