Ashland University Theatre closed their first show of the year Saturday evening. Directed by Fabio Polanco, “Circle Mirror Transformation” tells the story of five individuals who are brought together by a drama class in small town Vermont. Over the course of six weeks, we see how a small drama class changes each of the characters’ lives.

Premiering in Ashland’s Studio Theatre, Circle Mirror Transformation was a simple yet great production to get the year started.

The acting was superb, with exceptional performances from all five cast members. The lighting of the show equaled the acting: just what was needed at the right times. Meanwhile the set was for the most part exceptional.

The floor of the Studio Theatre was painted in a checkered tile format and it worked well with the setting.

The play had one downfall though: the mirrors of the dance studio were ruined. Rather than using actual mirrors to line the stage, reflective material was stretched to create the illusion of a mirror. This illusion would have worked fine, had it not been extremely wrinkled on four of the mirrors. Two of the mirrors were in acceptable condition, but overall the mirrors could have been improved upon. For the titular role in the play, I felt the mirrors were important to the show and, unfortunately, they weren’t in the best shape.

For the first show of the season, it was all I was expecting and more from the cast and crew. With Whistle Down The Wind right around the corner, students should be sure to check out what the theatre department has to offer.

The tickets are always reasonably priced and if Ashland University Theatre irons out the few wrinkles they have, the rest of the “Season of Turning Points” should be one to watch.