Greed, decadence and comedy

‘The Government Inspector’ comes to LCC

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Produced by the Lansing Community College department for Humanities & Performing Arts, Nikolai Gogol's classic 1836 comedy, “The Government Inspector” will bring its comedy of errors to Lansing soon.

Set in Imperial Russia, this realistic farce satirizes political corruption and human greed. Connor Kelly, 23 and Quinn Kelly, 21, are brothers and coincidentally, both have been cast in the play. Conner Kelly defines the performing experience with his brother as a form of comfort that he could look to if he got uncomfortable.

"It's our first show that we perform together," said Conner Kelly. "When it comes to family, we've got a lot of support. It's cool to know the support is right by your side — a little bit closer than in the audience."

Conner Kelly's character Is Ivan Alexandrovich Khlestakov, the protagonist. His character is a penniless man who gets misrecognized by the mayor as the real government inspector. Quinn Kelly plays Lyapkin-Tyapkin, the judge for the small town. He defines his character as a man who is “corrupt but believes he's not."

The comical plot itself was not the only reason that appealed Kelly brothers to participate. The The reputation of the director, Mary Matzke. She is a longtime theatre instructor, producer and director at LCC.

"She was the main reason I wanted to join the show," said Conner Kelly. "She is collaborative in how much (of ourselves) we are going to put in the characters."

"One of my favorite thing about working with her is how open-minded she is. She lets us do a lot to play around with our roles," agreed Quinn Kelly. "It's been rewarding working with Mary Matzke. Everything I bring to the table is appreciated.”

And that ability to work together and see each other's passions has been an advantage. The Kelly brothers also take their practice home.

"It's relaxing to get out of rehearsal, but it doesn't end up there," said Quinn Kelly. "We had those internal thoughts at the stage as well as portraying who we are. It makes a beautiful descriptive picture."

"The collaboration of work doesn't stop outside of the theatre, " Conner Kelly said. "We try to bring something new to the next rehearsal.”

That collaboration seems like it’s paying off. Quinn Kelly said he looks forward to opening night and future productions, both with and without his brother.

"This play has taught me a lot about theatre in general. Also, about how I want to make a character for future productions," he said. "Being able to see the way how Conner plays is incredible."

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