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Since November, Frank Stanko has been rehearsing for "Scapin," opening at 8 p.m. tonight in Boll Theatre. In "Scapin," Moliere's classic comedy about clever servants, young love and greedy masters gets a vaudevillian spin. Asides to the audience and physical comedy are all packed into 90-laugh-filled minutes.

Stanko shares some entries from his journal about the experience.



Oct. 30, 2009 I got the role in "Scapin" as Sylvestre, the idiot sidekick. Linda [Dunlevy] herself said, "Nobody plays naive like you do."



Nov. 4, 2009 First read through. I couldn't stop coughing!



Nov. 12, 2009 My mad scene was tackled today. It's such a blast to cut loose and terrify the hell out of Joe [Radisek], who's no slouch at keeping any of us on our toes. I'm also so happy that Brian [Gravunder], and I have such a strong rapport.



Dec. 9, 2009 Two highlights from tonight's rehearsal: Nick [Petrus] swung my script out of my hand with his sword. I just kept on with my lines, but it was really cool. Also, Brian (whose name aptly translates to "great wonder") and I get to be in awe of Grace [Stratton], me hiding behind his shoulder as she passes by, the both of us giggling nervously ...



Dec. 15, 2009 Brian [Pierce] and Elise [Edson] joined us; it was such a blast to have an audience to play to. I just need to wean myself off the script, so it can get sharper and even funnier. We have so many opportunities for a home run ... Let's not blow them.



Dec. 17, 2009 The mad scene is coming along beautifully. I just need to make sure each bit, each part of the "mosaic" (as Linda calls it), has a definite beginning and end. Too often, I let them blend, which is natural, but counteractive to comedy. I just have to (A) enjoy it more, (B) make it look more effortless and (C) save my voice.



Jan. 6, 2010 The break did everyone a load of good. We're all so invigorated, and it's really showing. Mark [Perkins] got a great physical comedy bit tonight - a nice switch from his moaning and wailing in his big scene with Brian G.



Jan. 12, 2010 We debuted at Boll. The set's amazing; just larger than I expected. Elise gave me some sound advice: It's only funny if it's fresh. Grace has been doing a wonderful job. I think she crushes the idea of beautiful women being unfunny.



Jan. 13, 2010 This was something of an anarchy night for "Scapin." Charissa [Qiu] and Bitz [Penrod] were in and out, so Nick and then Emily [Smith] filled in. The results were unconventional, to say the least. It was fun to watch Pat [Coyle] and Nick go at it as "Octave" and "Hyacinth."

David [Sievers] played "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" as the "Schemers Boogie" tonight, which allowed Brian G. and I chances to let out our inner ballerinas. What's really cool is how simpatico we were on the first try.



Jan. 14, 2010 I am ready! We've been giving so much to this show; it's almost perverse to wait another week.



"Scapin" has performances at 8 p.m. Jan. 22 and 23 and from Jan. 28 through 30 at the Boll Theatre. There will also be a 7 p.m. performance on Sunday, Jan. 24. Admission for students and staff is $6. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in Kennedy Union or by calling (937) 229-4433.