Eastern Michigan University THEATRE HOME
 

1998-1999 Season

Oliver!
October 16-18, 22-24 1998
(Quirk)

Escape to the teeming streets of 19th century London in this lively musical adventure with songs that include Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, and As Long As He Needs Me. Join Oliver, the Artful Dodger, Fagin, Nancy and the rest of the cast of characters as thy combine pathos with humor to draw audiences into their irresistible tale. Based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, directed by Kerry Graves, with music, lyrics and book by Lionel Bart, audiences are sure to enjoy this rousing production.

Ghost of the River House
November 21-22, December 4-5 1998
(Sponberg)

Eleven-year old Jenny hopes that finding the legendary treasure of River House will bring her closer to her aloof father. As Jenny and her grandfather explore the ruins of their ancestral home, a beautiful ghost reveals to them both treasure and family secrets. Ultimately, Jenny finds the strength she needs to face life in her less-than-perfect family. Timless theatre that appeals to both children and adults by Michigan playwright Max Bush, directed by Karen Smith-Meyer. Appropriate for ages 7 and up.

The Gift of the Magi
December 11-13, 19-20 1998
(Quirk)

Music and magic bring to life this adaptation of the classic O. Henry story. Christmas is fast approaching in the big city. Newlyweds, Jim and Della find themselves out of work and penniless and are forced to part with their most prized possessions in order to buy a single gift for each other. Adding to the sentiment and humor of this heartwarming holiday musical are scores of city folk celebrating the true meaning of love and holiday spirit. Adding to the sentiment and humor of this heartwarming musical are scores of city folk celebrating the true meaning of love and holiday spirit. Directed by Ken Stevens with book and lyrics by Mark St. Germain, music and lyrics by Randy Courts.

Oedipus the King
February 17-21 1999
(Quirk)

Plague and prophecy tear apart the lives of Oedipus, revered King of Thebes, and Jocasta, his wife and mother of his children. As they struggle in search of answers, the truth they had fought to protect themselves from comes full circle in what many consider to be the greatest of all classic tragedies. Directed by Wallace Bridges, translated by Kenneth Cavender, Sophocles' powerful tragedy returns to its Egyptian roots as this bold production blends the Greek Oedipus and his original source, the Egyptian pharaoh, Akhnaton.

The House of Blue Leaves
April 9-11, 15-17 1999
(Sponberg)

Artie Shaughnessy, a middle-aged zoo attendant longs to fulfill his dream of being a famous songwriter. In a whirlwind of comic confusion, assisted by over-eager girlfriend Bunny, Artie tries a last ditch effort to achieve his dream. Disappointment, hilarity and chaos emerge as Artie confronts his crazy wife Bananas, AWOL son Ronnie, a few nuns, and a Hollywood producer. Delicately balanced between farce and pathos is this brilliant, dark comedy by John Guare, directed by Pirooz Aghssa.

The Fantasticks
June 4-6, 10-12 1999
(Sponberg)

The world's longest running musical, The Fantasticks has captured the hearts of audience members for almost 40 years. In this whimsical look at the folly and fragility of young love, songs such as Try to Remember, They Were You and Soon It's Gonna Rain, tell the story of youth, innocence and boy meets girl. A delightfully bewitching musical with book and lyrics by Tom Jones, music by Harvey Schmidt and directed by Ken Stevens, The Fantasticks offer something for everyone.

 

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