THEATRE AND DANCE ANNOUNCES ITS 1996-97 SEASON
From hilarious comedy to poignant drama, classical dance to jazz, blues and bebop, Sam Houston State University is poised for another thrilling performing arts season.
Following the theme "Somewhere in Time," the university's Department of Theatre and Dance will stage 10 events this season, each with a historically significant setting ranging in time from Victorian England to contemporary America. Throughout the year, the stages at SHSU's Mainstage and Showcase theaters will be transformed to reflect the trappings of 19th century America, the Great Depression, World War II Canada and post-war USA.
The theatrical line up includes two riveting dramas, three comedies, a musical melodrama, and a Christmastime classic. Also highlighting the season are three dance concerts: two showcasing the works of student and faculty and the third offering a lively musical review of classics from the 1930s and 40s.
In addition to the major performances, spotlights will shine on three competitive events demonstrating a wealth of student dance and theatrical talent.
Also this season, the public is invited to take a seat on the cutting edge of creativity as students and faculty stage their own work during Experimental Theatre Nights at the Showcase Theatre. Dance students and faculty will also take a turn performing original works at special "Dances at 8:00" events scheduled throughout the season.
SHSU Theatre and Dance season performances run from October through May. Individual and season tickets are currently on sale and may be purchased by calling 409-294-1339 or 409-294-1329.
The 1996-97 SHSU Department of Theatre and Dance calendar includes the following performances:
MAINSTAGE THEATRE
- You Can't Take It With You (Oct. 2-5). This wildly uproarious comedy written by George Kaufman and Moss Hart and popularized by Frank Kapra's classic film, follows the exploits of an eccentric American family in 1936.
- Dance Spectrum (Oct. 31-Nov. 2) An evening of original choreography from dance faculty and students.
- A Christmas Carol:Scrooge and Marley (Dec. 4-7). Seasonal merriment prevails in this stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story by Israel Horovitz.
- Sweeny Todd (April 9-12). A Victorian melodrama transports audiences into a world filled with intrigue, mystery and passion. From an adaptation by Christopher Boyd, this musical features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and lyrics by Hugh Wheeler.
- Spring Dance Concert (May 1-3). SHSU dancers will present the best works of the year.
SHOWCASE THEATRE
- The All Night Strut (Oct. 16-19). Originally conceived, directed and choreographed by Fran Charnas, this performance is energized by jazz, blues, bebop and familiar classics of the 1930s and 40s.
- Waiting for the Parade (Oct. 23-26). In this play by John Murrell, Canadian women serve their country with hope and determination while remaining at home during World War I.
- The Baltimore Waltz (Feb. 12-15) This contemporary comedy by Paula Vogel explores the turbulent relationship between a brother and sister.
- Lonely Planet (Feb. 19-22). The pattern of friendship, fear and responsibility in the age of AIDS is revealed through the use of familiar symbols in this play by Stephen Deitz.
- Tales of the Lost Formicans (March 5-8). This play by Constance Congden takes an ironic look at the latter part of the 20th century allowing us to smile at the alien parts within us.
OTHER EVENTS
- "UIL SuperConference" (Nov. 2). A wide variety of performances will highlight this gathering of participating University Interscholastic League schools at the University Theatre Center.
- Experimental Theatre Night (Nov. 8-9 and April 25-26). Students and faculty stage their own work at the Showcase Theatre.
- UIL One-Act Play Workshop (March 10-14). University Interscholastic League thespians gather for theatrical competition.
- Dances at 8:00 (Call 294-1875 for times and dates). Students and faculty showcase original dance and choreography at the SHSU Dance Theatre.
- Regional 4A UIL One-Act Play Contest (April 19). University Interscholastic League thespians take over the Mainstage Theatre for more theatrical competition.
- Theatre Trip to London ( May 13-19). The SHSU Theatre Department is organizing a trip abroad for students, faculty and community members who enjoy travel and the arts.
Ticket prices are $7 for Mainstage shows and dance concerts and $5 for Showcase productions. All musicals are $10. SHSU students and senior citizens receive a discount.
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Sept. 20, 1996