Death can be high comedy, you just have to live a little

The title alone, "Scenes from an Execution," may conjure thoughts of hangings and electric chairs, but fear not: There will be no death penalty in this more-funny-than-chilling play put on by Arizona Repertory Theatre.

Victoria Holden, a musical theater senior, plays Galactia, the female protagonist, a Venetian artist hired by the government to paint the victory of the Ottoman fleet in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.

Holden is serious about her character, who she describes as an earthy woman who pursues her passions and sticks to her guns.

"She is a strong woman succeeding in a man's world," Holden said. "She is an essentialist. She loves all things in nature; you know, sex, the earth."

Her study of Galactia was so in-depth that she studied a graduate art student to gain an artist's perspective.

"It is very interesting because (artists) look at shapes, they don't look at bodies," Holden said.

In the play, conflict begins when the artist does a painting against the government's wishes.

"I try and paint what the war actually is," Holden said.

Meanwhile, her counterpart, Carpota, played by musical theater sophomore Scott Reynolds, is employed by the government and is assigned to help try to fire Galactia. Like in any good comedy, a romantic interest is sparked.

"My character is based off my 14-year-old cousin," Reynolds said. "He's, like, the most immature person I've ever met."

Holden concurs on Carpota's demeanor.

"He's spineless," Holden said.

Students Reynolds' age (sophomores) are still on probationary standing in the Arizona Repertory Theatre company and he feels lucky to have earned the lead.

"(The cast has) confidence in me that I didn't know someone could have," Reynolds said. "It's very comforting to know people are on my side."

Reynolds particularly feels taken under the wing of School of Theatre Arts professor Kevin Black, who plays Urgentino, the head of state, in the play.

"There is just this amazing process he goes through as an actor," Reynolds said.

Along with a supportive cast, Holden and Reynolds are working under great leadership from director Brent Gibbs, theatre arts artistic director and professor.

"He's awesome to work with. He kind of molds you to how your character is on stage," Reynolds said.

In addition to his UA profession, Gibbs is also a combat instructor with the Society of American Fighting Directors and has won the Arizona State Theater Award for Excellence in Choreography in fights in the Southwest Shakespeare Company's production of "Henry V." Gibbs' expertise in teaching combat will help in depicting scenes that can speak to audiences.

"I think (the show) has a lot of impact right now because we are in a war," Holden said. "It also has a lot to do with how the government tries to cover it up."

Reynolds added his two cents.

"It's a dark comedy, but it's also a very fun show," Reynolds said.

Previews of "Scenes From an Execution" will be held Feb. 5 at 1:30 p.m. and Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances will be held Feb. 8-11, 16-18 and 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 12, 18, 19 and 26 at 1:30 p.m. in the Laboratory Theatre, southwest corner of North Park Avenue and East Speedway Boulevard. General admission is $26, senior citizen and UA employee tickets are $24, student tickets are $19 and the preview admission is $17. A free pre-show discussion open to the general public will be held Feb. 16.