Eastern Michigan University's 2007-08 theatre season opens
with a previous season's favorite that focuses on our
national pastime and ends with a fresh take on a compilation
of works by German dramatist Bertolt Brecht.
"Diamonds in the D!" premiered in the spring semester
and caught the attention of Fox 2 News, which filmed a
rehearsal for a June newscast. Pamela Cardell-Cato, assistant
managing director of EMU Theatre, said that they wanted
to bring this play back in the fall so that the whole student
body would have an opportunity to see it.
 |
TAKE ME OUT TO THE THEATER: (above,
from
left ) Eastern Michigan
University
Theatre students Jessie Powell and
Allyson
Brosky perform a scene from the
spring production
of "Diamonds in the D."
The play is back by popular
demand and
will be perfomed Sept. 6-8, 7 p.m.,
in
Sponberg Theatre. |
"This is a very different season for us," said Cardell-Cato,
who explained the theatre department is working with a
different community partner to help promote each show. "The
theatre department has the best intentions of giving their
audiences 'the most bang for their buck.' Anything we can
do to foster good community relations is better for everyone."
"We want students of all ages coming in and having a positive
experience (while) trying to make sure we are challenging
and educating our students, and challenging and educating
our audiences," said Cardell-Cato.
The talents of EMU students, faculty and staff combine
with the works of legendary authors, composers, chorographers
and producers to generate six plays that will captivate
audiences this fall.
"Diamonds in the D!" is back by popular
demand, Sept. 6-8, 7 p.m., Sponberg Theatre. Several traditional
melodies are included in this production conceived and
directed by Ken Stevens, based on a book by Jeff Duncan,
and with original music, lyrics and additional arrangements
by R. MacKenzie Lewis. This musical is a tribute to the
Detroit Tigers as well as America's love for baseball.
Director Phil Simmons presents "Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Friday, Oct.
19, 9 p.m. (preview performance); Oct. 20 and 25-27,
7 p.m.; and Oct. 21 and 28, 3 p.m., Quirk Theatre. This
lively musical, based on the biblical story of Joseph
and his coat of many colors, contains music by Andrew
Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
Patricia Zimmer directs "A Laura Ingalls Wilder
Christmas" by
Laurie Brooks, Dec. 1-2 and 8, 3 p.m.; and Dec. 1 and 7-8,
7 p.m., Quirk Theatre. Based on the life of author Laura
Ingalls Wilder and her popular "Little House" book series,
this is an enduring play for family audiences.
"All Night Strut!" contains a celebration of songs from
the 1930s and 1940s and will be performed Feb. 8-9 and
14-16, 7 p.m.; and Feb. 10, 3 p.m., Sponberg Theatre. Wallace
Bridges directs this musical, which is considered to be
the longest running in Detroit history. Fran Charnas originally
conceived, directed and choreographed this musical.
"The Exonerated," by Erick Jenson and Jessica Blank, will
be directed by Lee Stille, March 12-15, 7 p.m.; and March
16, 3 p.m., Sponberg Theatre. This play tells the stories
of the lives, appeals and nightmares of death row inmates,
eventually proven innocent and released.
George Tabori edited selections of the work of Bertolt
Brecht to create "Brecht on Brecht," March
28-29 and April 3-5, 7 p.m.; and March 30 at 3 p.m., Quirk
Theatre. Pirooz Aghssa directs this choreographed improvisation
that presents the songs, poems and other selections of
the work of Bertolt Brecht.
Look out for the addition of stage readings in November
and the Family Festival of Short Plays in April.
For more information on the featured events listed, visit
http://www.emich.edu/public/cta/ted/ or call the box office
at 487-2282.
