The Graduate is based on a 1963 novel by Charles Webb. When I attended the opening last night at the Granville Island Stage Theatre, I tried to recall ever having seen the 1967 movie starring Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman. Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” is what mostly resonates with my generation whenever the film is mentioned.

Kayvon Khoshkam and Camille Mitchell
[Kayvon Khoshkam, Camille Mitchell]

Benjamin is a recent college graduate with his share of anxieties. How will he enter the world and escape the boring wealthy life of his parents as he so badly wants to do? At a graduation party hosted by his parents, Benjamin first confronts Mrs. Robinson when she walks into his bedroom.

Kayvon Khoshkam and Celine Stubel
[Kayvon Khoshkam, Celine Stubel]

Mrs. Robinson is a rich and beautiful woman who’s an alcoholic and bored in her marriage. Curiosity eventually gets the best of Benjamin and soon after that party an affair begins between the two. Things get complicated when Elaine (Mrs. Robinson’s daughter) enters the scene and falls for Benjamin.

I found a trailer online from the Mike Nichols movie that reminded me how long this famous story has been in the public consciousness. The film ranks on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years, 100 Movies list as the seventh greatest of all time. In 1996, it was added to the National Film Registry for its cultural significance. Last year, Director Nichols received the 38th AFI Life Achievement Award.

Kayvon Khoshkam and Celine Stubel
[Kayvon Khoshkam, Celine Stubel]

As for the Arts Club production, I was mostly awed by the stage set. The modern set mixes with 70’s-era furnishings, music, and outfits. Israeli-born Amir Ofek is an internationally renowned theatre set designer with several university degrees covering a multitude of creative fields. Amir has designed for theaters in London, Tel-Aviv, Boston, Durham, North Carolina, and Vancouver. He currently lives and works here. The set he created for this production is modular and works very well with the changing mood of the play, based in 1963’s Southern California.

Celine Stubel and Kayvon Khoshkam
[Celine Stubel, Kayvon Khoshkam]

Ofek’s living room set slides over the swimming pool and several rooms either swivel or merge into others. Lighting fixtures move down over the scene and before you know it, they’re gone again. I loved how one scene in particular used lighting to express passing hours in a long confrontational evening fueled by drinks, with Mrs. Robinson and her daughter. I won’t spoil the nature of the scene but kudos to lighting designer Ted Roberts who choreographed that scene so well.

Lisa Bunting, Jerry Wasserman, Bill Dow, and Kayvon Khoshkam
[Lisa Bunting, Jerry Wasserman, Bill Dow, Kayvon Khoshkam]

The cast came together well and most importantly, Camille Mitchell’s Mrs. Robinson and Kayvon Khoshkam’s Benjamin Braddock (the two pivotal roles) were outstanding. The other major roles are played by Lisa Bunting (Mrs. Braddock), Bill Dow (Mr. Braddock), and Jerry Wasserman (Mr. Robinson). It was hard for me to define an exact moment in the play that stood out, but at heart it’s a romantic comedy that should be enjoyed throughout its two hours (including one intermission). Look for a light, happy ending.

I highly recommend this humorous stage adaptation by Terry Johnson that explores the themes of growing up, confusion, loss of innocence, and love.

The Graduate plays at the Granville Island Stage through May 14, 2011. Tickets are available online or by phone (604.687.1644). Performances are Monday to Saturday at 8 pm, and Wednesday & Saturday at 2 pm. Tickets are $29 to $49, inclusive of taxes and fees.

Kayvon Khoshkam and Camille Mitchell
[Kayvon Khoshkam, Camille Mitchell]

All photos courtesy of David Cooper.

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