Russian folklore, a couple of farces and "The Force" from
Star Wars will be part of Eastern Michigan University Theatre's
2009-2010 season.
Among others, the season includes: the classic musical
comedy "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," the
children's tale "The Prince, the Wolf and the Firebird," the
farce "Hotel Paradiso," plays by Ingmar Bergman; and local
playwright Joe Zettelmaier's "All Childish Things, Episodes
I, II and III."
The season begins with Stephen Sondheim's well-loved,
Tony-award winning musical "A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum." Director Pirooz Aghssa
will invite audiences to experience a "comedy tonight" --
just the sort of light, farcical comedy that the times
call for. The farce is inspired by works of the ancient
Roman playwright Plautus (251-183 B.C.) and accounts the
raucous, libidinous story of Roman slave Pseudolus as he
tries to win his freedom by helping his master, Hero, find
love. This season opener is scheduled Oct. 23-24 and Oct.
29-31 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. in Quirk Theatre.
Appropriate for ages 12 and up.
The force is strong with the first of two showcase performances.
Local playwright Joe Zettelmaier presents "All
Childish Things, Episodes I, II, and III." Zettelmaier's
trilogy is based on the lives of three middle-aged men
who idolize Star Wars and tackle adventure as if it was "A
long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." Winner of
the 2009 New American Play Award and EMU's guest artist
in residence, Zettelmaier will showcase his three plays
as staged readings in EMU's Sponberg Theatre, opening with
All Childish Things Nov. 13, 7 p.m.; Episode II, Nov. 14,
7 p.m.; and Episode III, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m.
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Russian folklore contains many versions of the story of
Prince Ivan and the adventure of the Firebird. Recounting
this well-loved tale, Pam Cardell will direct Jackson Lacey's
two-act play, "The Prince, the Wolf and the Firebird." The
King of Kiev's prized possession is his golden apple tree.
So, it's no wonder that, when his apples are stolen one
by one in the night, he is frantic to catch the thief.
His two eldest sons are anxious to catch the culprit and
claim a piece of their father's kingdom. But Ivan, the
youngest son, is more concerned with keeping a promise
to the beautiful Firebird. This promise leads him on a
quest full of danger and colorful characters as he strives
to do the right thing. "The Prince, the Wolf and the Firebird" opens
Dec. 4-5 and 10-11 at 7 p.m.; and Dec. 5-6 and 12 at 3
p.m., in Quirk Theatre. Additional school matinees will
be performed Dec. 9-10. This show is appropriate for ages
8 and up.
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While Ingmar Bergman is typically known for his work in
the film industry, his original plays and adaptations also
are well worth mentioning. In April 1981, Bergman and his
German company opened "The Bergman Project" in Munich.
The Bergman Project consisted of two adaptations — Henrik
Ibsen's "A Doll's House" and August Strindberg's "Miss
Julie" — as well as one original script called "Scenes
from a Marriage." In this trio of works, Bergman aimed
to reflect three facets of the relationship between men
and women. This season at EMU, the two adaptations, "Nora" and "Julie",
will be presented as a couplet directed by Terry Heck Seibert
and Lee Stille, respectively. Performances are scheduled
Feb. 12-13 and 18-20, 7 p.m.; and Feb. 14 at 3 p.m., in
Sponberg Theatre. For mature audiences only.
Farces are often talked about as "plays about doors" and
Georges Feydeau's "Hotel Paradiso" is
no exception. Feydeau has given the world many
oft-performed farces and his plays are seen today as forerunners
to theatrical movements such as Dada Theatre and Theatre
of the Absurd.
"Hotel Paradiso" is a window into the lives of two upper-class
Parisian households. Monsignor Boniface and his neighbor,
Madame Cotte, check into the Hotel Paridiso to pursue an
illicit affair only to find that their spouses, a nephew,
the Boniface maid and some traveling friends are all staying
at the hotel as well. The plot only becomes more complicated
when the police raid the establishment and identities are
muddled. Directed by John Seibert, performances are set
for March 19-20 and 25-27, 7 p.m.; and March 21 at 3 p.m.
in Quirk Theatre. For mature audiences only.
"Bud, not Buddy" brings
to life the Newberry Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning
book Audiences see how a 10-year-old
boy, without anything other than his golden rule "to Have
a Funner Life and Make a Better Liar Out of Yourself",
will find a home, friends and a family that loves him.
Adapted for the stage by Reginald Andre Jackson, audiences
will see one of their favorite characters from an award-winning
young adult novel come to life. "Bud, not Buddy," directed
by Meriah Sage, would be performed April
8-10, 7 p.m.; and April 10 at 3 p.m., in Sponberg Theatre. Appropriate
for family audiences ages 6 and up.
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Based on Patrick Dennis's 1961 novel "Little Me",
Neil Simon chronicled the adventures of an imaginary diva,
as a musical with book, with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics
by Carolyn Leigh. The musical takes the audience on a trip
through time as author Patrick Dennis writes the autobiography
of Belle Poitrine. It all begins when Belle, who starts
in life as a poor girl from Venezuela, Illinois, meets
Noble Eggleston, an all-American boy from the right side
of the tracks. Noble's mother won't approve of their love
because Belle doesn't have wealth, culture or social position,
so Belle sets out in the world to gain all three! Directed
by Ken Stevens, "Little Me" is set for production in Junein
Sponberg Theatre. Dates have yet to be determined. For
mature audiences only.
Ticket prices for EMU Theatre's 2009-2010 Mainstage season
are $15 for general admission, $12 for students, $9 for
MAINSTAGE patrons and $6 for children ages 5-12. The cost
is $7 for all SHOWCASE performances. Tickets for all MAINSTAGE
productions are available by phone at 487-2282 or in person
at the Convocation Center, the Student Center ticket office
or the Quirk Box Office. To purchase tickets online, visit: www.emich.edu/convocation.
For more information about EMU Theatre, visit www.emich.edu/emutheatre or www.myspace.com/emutheatre.
All mainstage performances will take place in the Quirk
or Sponberg theatres in the Quirk Dramatic Arts Building
located at the intersection of East Circle Drive and Best
Hall on EMU's Ypsilanti Campus.
