Drama, Comedy, Song and Dance

Cal State Fullerton kicks off its 2011-12 theater and dance season Sept. 23 with plays and programs that run the gamut of drama, comedy, song and dance.

Caption: Brook Rogers plays Jean in the fall Cal State Fullerton production of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.”  Photo by Jim VolzDownload Photo

The first offering is “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” which features a woman who finds out what she will do when a cell phone rings incessantly and the owner is dead. The production, which runs from Sept. 23 through Oct. 16, is directed by professional director Marya Mazor and performed in the Hallberg Theatre.

For those looking for a dark comic adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” look no further than “Chemical Imbalance, a Jekyll & Hyde Play” written by Lauren Wilson. The production, not recommended for children, runs Oct. 7 through 23 in the Young Theatre. Director is Eve Himmelheber.

The Fall Dance Theatre, coordinated by Gladys Kares, will be performed in the Little Theatre Oct. 20-30.

A novel by John Irving was adapted for the Nov. 11 to Dec. 4 production of “A Prayer for Owen Meany” about a man’s friendship with a boy with a wrecked voice and unwavering faith. The production — which features mature subject matter — is directed by Patrick Pearson and performed in the Young Theatre.

Heading into the holiday season is the Tony Award-nominated “The Wedding Singer,” based on the New Line Cinema film written by Tim Herlihy, about New Jersey wedding singer who finds that the girl of his dreams has broken his heart. James R. Taulli directs the Nov. 18-Dec. 11 production with musical direction by Mitchell Hanlon and choreography by William F. Lett.

The spring offerings begin with “The Spoon River Project” that explores the idea of afterlife and the ability to express oneself without consequence. The Feb. 24-March 11 production is directed by Mark Ramont, who joined the university this fall after serving as director of theater programming at the Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.

“The Diary of Anne Frank” based on the personal account of Anne Frank and her family while hiding from the Nazis, will be showcased in the Young Theatre March 9-25. Kari Hayter will direct the production, which features mature subject matter.

William Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” examines justice and mercy in society. The March 23-April 22 production in the Hallberg Theatre will be directed by Joseph Arnold.

Caption: An example from a prior dance theater production.

The CSUF production of “Little Women” runs April 20 to May 6 in the Young Theatre under the direction of Broadway actor, director and producer Jana Robbins.

Finishing up the season will be the Spring Dance Theatre May 3-13 in the Little Theatre.

For tickets or more information, call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 657-278-3371 Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets also are available online at http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/events.

Sept. 14, 2011