Sabrina (Natalie Brouwer) catches the attention of the enigmatic Linus (Jonathan Swindle).The Lee University Theatre Program will present the classic romantic comedy “Sabrina Fair” over the next two weekends. Shows will be held in the Dixon Center at 8 p.m. Friday, April 5, and at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and the following Thursday through Saturday, April 11-13.
The play, directed by assistant professor Dr. Christine Williams, was made famous by a successful run on Broadway and two film adaptations. The two lead roles, filled in cinema by such legends as Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and Harrison Ford, will feature Lee sophomore Jonathan Swindle as Linus Larrabee and Lee junior Natalie Brouwer as Sabrina.
“Sabrina Fair” is the story of a chauffeur’s daughter who has grown up in the household of the wealthy and powerful Larrabees, aware of but excluded from their lavish lifestyle. The Larrabee sons, sincere David and all-business Linus, hardly notice her until she returns as an adult from her studies abroad. With a wealthy French suitor and a new zeal for living, Sabrina finds herself reshaping the Larrabees’ world, even cutting through to Linus’ presumed-missing heart.
While considered a romantic comedy, the dialogue and characters have been noted for their depth and realistic nature, and many audience members are surprised to see how the play differs from the films.
“There are a lot of layers in the characters and the relationships that we as actors are able to access,” said Brouwer, a theater major with a minor in public relations.