From March 7 to 16, The Majestic Theater in downtown Corvallis will be putting on a special production of the fictionalized historical dramatic comedy Amadeus. The tickets will run $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. 

According to play director Riley Lucas, tickets are available on the Majestic website, via phone at (541) 758-7827 or by visiting the box office before the show. 

The play will show at 7:30 p.m. on March 7, 8, 14 and 15, with 2:30 p.m. matinee showings on March 9 and 16. 

According to The Majestic’s website, this will be an American Sign Language interpreted performance.    

Written by British playwright Peter Schaffer, Amadeus was first performed in 1979 and was made into an Academy Award-winning film in 1984. It tells the story of a rivalry between two rival musicians—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. 

“It’s Salieri’s retelling of the decades he spent plotting against Mozart, thwarting him at every opportunity because of his envy,” Lucas said in an email. “Mozart, a man who refuses to bend to social convention, versus Salieri, a man obsessed with structure and his self-inflicted rules due to his bargain with God.“

A twenty-year acting veteran, Lucas said that this will be his first time directing.

“I am so excited for my first time directing, and the experience has been amazing,” Lucas said. “I proposed Amadeus because, well, I love the script. I love the story, the drama!”

Lucas said that what sets his production of Amadeus against other past productions is gender inclusivity. 

“The show traditionally only has one female speaking role, but in this production, the entire cast is femme, female, or non-binary,” Lucas said. “No men have been cast. In fact, this is the most gender-diverse show—both cast and crew—in Majestic history.”

According to Lucas, half the cast and many of the production team are trans or non-binary. 

“When I think about the “Mozarts” of the world, creatives who are pushing boundaries, breaking molds, and toying with convention, I see minorities at the forefront of this movement,” Lucas said. “I have been honored to work with so many talented women and genderqueer individuals at The Majestic, and this production is to honor them.”

Lucas said that he wants to highlight voices that are underrepresented and under attack right now. 

“In a show that is so heavily patriarchal, I wanted to try something unique that would highlight the diverse talent in the Willamette Valley community,” Lucas said.  

Lucas said that The Majestic is openly looking for volunteers, both on and offstage. 

“I have had amazing experiences at this theater, and I have really found a home here and made lifelong friends,” Lucas said.” The community and camaraderie is unmatched, and we always welcome those who wish to be involved!”

For those who want to learn more about the play from the actors and director themselves, Lucas suggests tuning in to KMUZ Theatre Talk with himself, Millie Galasso who is playing Mozart, and Laurie Mason who is playing Salieri, which will air on 100.7 on March 7—it will also be available as a podcast.