Newswise — The department of theatre and dance is excited to announce the 2008-2009 season to the public. Season subscription renewal forms were mailed to subscribers recently, giving them the first look at a season filled with dazzling dance concerts, "thoroughly modern" musicals, crazy comedies and much more.
The new season is quite eclectic and will entertain audiences, educate students, and elevate the University as a flagship for the performing arts in the Southeast.
The theatrical productions will treat audiences to a wide variety of work, from the high jinks of fame-starved actors in "Moon Over Buffalo" to the vexed vixens of "Medea" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The dance concerts will continue to showcase the talents of premier dancers and choreographers from around the world, lighting up the stage with a mixture of new works and classical artistry.
In addition to the theatre and dance productions, audiences are encouraged to take advantage of such enrichment programs as the Saturday Matinee Talk Back series. This series offers the audience a chance to meet the cast and crew and learn about the production experience. Each Talk Back happens immediately after the Saturday matinee in the Gallaway and Allen Bales theatres. Also available are weekday morning matinees of "Henry V" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie" for local schools to take advantage of in the spring.
While the department is busy in Gulf Shores, Ala., with its SummerTide Theatre production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," the Tuscaloosa Box Office will be closed. It will be shut down beginning Saturday, May 31, and it will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 2. Anyone interested in a subscription package is encouraged to call or e-mail, as both the voicemail and inbox will be checked throughout the summer. The Box Office telephone number is 205/348-3400, and the e-mail address is [email protected].
Subscription Order Forms are also available online at www.as.ua.edu/theatre. Subscription packages range from a "Complete 12" option, which ensures your admission to all 12 productions, to specialty packages like the Gallaway 4, Allen Bales 4, or Dance 4, which are designed for those who prefer to pick and choose what shows they are most interested in seeing.
Prices range from just $28.40 (for the Allen Bales 4 package) to just $132.80 for admission to all 12 productions (discounted prices are available to students, UA faculty and staff, and senior citizens). That's a savings of 15 percent off the regular ticket price. Theatrical performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays with 2 p.m. performances Saturdays and Sundays.
2008-2009 season
"Moon Over Buffalo" by Ken Ludwig, Sept. 23-28, Gallaway Theatre.
In 1953, struggling acting couple Charlotte and George Hay (B-list, self-proclaimed "stars" ) are caught up in a tempestuous run of both "Cyrano de Bergerac" and Noel Coward's "Private Lives" at the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo, N.Y. When the dramatic duo hears that renowned director Frank Capra will be watching the matinee, Charlotte and George break into panic mode as they realize this may be their one last shot at Hollywood stardom. But secret affairs, drunken stupors, and missed cues can only end in a mess of misunderstanding and maddening misadventures. Is there a doctor in the house? Because "Moon Over Buffalo" will leave you in stitches! Appropriate for most ages. Some parental guidance suggested.
"Dance Alabama!" : Fall concert, Sept. 30-Oct. 3, Morgan Auditorium; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday and 5:30 p.m. Friday.
The new year brings a celebration of dance to Morgan Auditorium with the Dance Alabama! fall and spring concerts. Continuing to astound audiences with its eclectic blend of dance styles and musical art forms, this concert captures the essence of the dancer's spirit in its rhythmic landscape. Choreographed by students mentored by our renowned dance faculty, Dance Alabama! is a pleasure beyond words for the heart, soul, eyes and ears of all who attend.
"Wild Party" : Book, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa; based on a poem by Joseph Moncure March; Oct. 21-26, Allen Bales Theatre
Adapted from March's epic poem about the Roaring Twenties, Lippa's "Wild Party" is the musical tale of Queenie, a dancer, and her tumultuous relationship with Burrs, a vaudeville clown. One night the world unhinges and during one wild party, the tension erupts. It's Prohibition, the world is on edge, and so are the guests. With jealousy as their weapon of choice, Queenie and Burrs battle it out. In the end, drastic measures will be taken and new lives will be found by the light of the new day. With an award-winning score by Andrew Lippa, "Wild Party" captures the sound of a long gone era of excess. Parental guidance suggested.
"The Heiress" by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, Nov. 4-9, Gallaway Theatre
Catherine, painfully shy and tragically plain, peers out of her Washington Square home at a metropolitan world of excitement and frenzy. Hidden behind these walls (and her father's safeguard), she longs to enjoy the company of others and wishes for true love. Weak and fragile, she falls for a young man who may or may not simply be after her family's fortune. Forbidden by her father to marry this "gold digger," she plans an elopement, but love comes at a painful price and heartbreak is often the cruelest revenge. Suggested by the Henry James novel "Washington Square." Appropriate for ages 10 and older.
Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre: Nov. 11-14, Morgan Auditorium; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 5:30 p.m. Friday
The pre-professional dance company of The University of Alabama comes to life with this fall concert choreographed by our remarkable and renowned dance faculty. From ballet to jazz, from modern to folk, from traditional to new world, the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre enlivens Morgan Auditorium with a diverse array of the traditional and the avant-garde. Led by Cornelius Carter, artistic director and 2001 Carnegie Foundation Professor of the Year, the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre is the ultimate dance experience for both the aficionado and the amateur.
"Reckless" by Craig Lucas, Nov. 18-23, Allen Bales Theatre
Lucas' dark comedy takes us on the ride of a lifetime when Rachel climbs out the window into the wintery night to escape her husband's insane plan to have her killed by a hired gun. Thrown into a world where crazy seems to be the new norm, how will she determine her own sanity and restore the sense of order that she once knew? Kooky and clever, "Reckless" is a farce to be reckoned with. Parental guidance suggested.
"Medea" by Euripides, translated by Alistair Elliot; Feb. 10-15, 2009, Allen Bales Theatre
Brought to a world she will never love, by the only man she will, Medea is hurled into a life she never intended to live. After his quest for the Golden Fleece, Jason brings his young wife, Medea, and their children to Corinth to set up house. When Jason leaves his wife for the daughter of King Creon, Medea's fragile world is shattered. Feverish with desire for revenge and with a lust for blood running thick through her soul, she sets out on an epic quest to hurt him and all who have caused her sorrow. Parental guidance suggested.
Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre: Spring concert, Feb. 17-20, 2009; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. Friday.
"Henry V" by William Shakespeare, Feb. 24-March 1, 2009, Gallaway Theatre The young Prince Hal assumes the title and troubles of King Henry V. The former truant finds himself leading the British nation into a war with France over land he believes rightfully his. Gathering his armies, Henry crosses the English Channel to join a battle that will leave the country stained in blood and scarred beyond repair. The campaign leaves his soldiers sick and weary, and the French outnumber them 60,000 to 12,000 on the eve of the great Battle of Agincourt. Will the boy king prove his mettle against the enemies of the crown? Will he more importantly win the hearts and minds of his own still-distrustful subjects? William Shakespeare weaves a thick tapestry of warfare, wild spirits and the perils of leadership. Appropriate for ages 10 and older.
Dance Alabama!: Spring concert, March 31-April 3, 2009; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. Friday
"Transit of Venus" by Maureen Hunter, April 14-19, 2009, Allen Bales Theatre
To Venus and the secrets she will share! Guillaume Le Gentil de la Galasière, a French aristocrat and noted scientist, is sent to study the transit of Venus in a global attempt to understand Earth's place in the cosmos. Doing so, however, means a sea voyage of many, many months — and leaving behind Celeste, his doting and bewildered child bride. As Venus crosses the heavens and Nature intervenes, so, too, Celeste crosses from turbulent teen to worldly woman. But will she wait for his return, and will love outlast the dreams they share? Can science answer the questions that no poet can? Appropriate for ages 10 and older.
"Thoroughly Modern Millie" : Book by Richard Henry Morris; music by Jeanine Tesori; new lyrics by Dick Scanlan; original story and screenplay by Richard Morris for the Universal Pictures Film; April 21-26, 2009, Gallaway Theatre
This is 1922. Women are bobbing their hair, painting their lips and pencil-lining their brows, and Millie plans to be the most modern of all. New to the city, she sets out in a crazed adventure searching for love in the Big Apple. But love isn't the only thing in the air. The maniacal proprietor of the Hotel Priscilla has a twisted plan for Millie and the other residents. How can Millie, a millionaire jazz singer, and an innocent waif save the women of New York from this criminal "mastermind" ? Grab your fringe, lay on the lashes, and join in as Millie takes on Manhattan. Appropriate for all ages.
For additional information, visit http://www.as.ua.edu/theatre.
The theatre & dance department is part of UA's College of Arts and Sciences, the University's largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.
The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.
RSS