Caption: “The Spoon River Project” opens Feb. 24 in the Clayes Performing Arts Center. From left, actors Conor Dugard as Elmer Karr, Selene Perez as Mrs. Merritt and Ben LaMontagne-Schenck as Tom Merritt. Photo: Leonard Suryajaya
Opening Curtain
‘Spoon River Project’ Begins Spring Theatre and Dance Season
Poignant classics, musicals and original work are set for university stages this spring.
Kicking off the spring Theatre and Dance Department productions is “The Spoon River Project” running Feb. 24 through March 11 in the Hallberg Theatre.
The Spoon River Project brings together the souls of the departed of a small town as they remember their former lives. Through actors and live music, the idea of the afterlife and the ability to express oneself without consequence is explored. The joys, secrets and regrets of their lives expose the pretense that formed their town. Only in death can they release the truth.
New faculty member Mark Ramont — most recently of Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. — directs the new adaptation by Tom Andolora from Edgar Lee Masters’ book “The Spoon River Anthology.”
“Death fascinates me — always has,” explained Ramont. “How we die says so much about how we lived and what we leave behind. The ‘Spoon River Project’ gives us a little taste of the ways people die, and in doing so gives us insight into why we live and what gives life meaning. The stories, beautiful and simply crafted, introduce us to a community of people who are unforgettable, and I look forward to sharing them with our audience.”
The cast includes Antwone Barnes, Dennis Bendersky, Daniel Botello, Connor Dugard, Devon Hadsell, Melissa Haygood, Ben LaMontagne-Schenck, Mitchell McCollum, Selene Perez, Brooke Rogers and Ellie Wyman.
Scenic design is by David Corigliano, lighting by AmyAnne Tafolla, sound by Joseph Welden, costume by Theona White, make-up by Jennifer Ruiz and technical direction, Jeff Williams. The production stage manager is Travis Donnelly and stage manager is Karrah Spitznagel.
Upcoming Productions
“The Diary of Anne Frank” by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, captures the words and sentiments of Anne Frank in a heartwarming and moving drama adapted by Wendy Kesselman. Directed by Kari Hayter, the director of Cal State Fullerton’s recent award-winning drama, “365 Days,” “The Diary of Anne Frank” will run March 9-25 in the Young Theatre and contains mature subject matter.
Morality and vice collide in Shakespeare’s dark comedy “Measure for Measure” directed by Joseph Arnold, dean of the College of the Arts. In “Measure,” the tyrannical Angelo cracks down on corruption and crosses the line when he is attracted to a young woman pleading for the life of her imprisoned brother. The production runs March 23 to April 22 in the Hallberg Theatre.
Louisa Mae Alcott’s spirited March sisters come to life April 20 to May 6 in “Little Women, the Broadway Musical” in the Young Theatre. Broadway actor, director and producer Jana Robbins guest directs the family-friendly musical about Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy as they grow up during Civil War America.
Closing the season is the Spring Dance Theatre coordinated by Gladys Kares. Students, faculty and guest artists fill performances with original pieces and dynamic, creative choreography May 3 through 13 in the Little Theatre.
Tickets
Subscriptions for the Theatre and Dance season are available at $55 each. Single tickets range from $10 to $22. Tickets are available for purchase at the Joseph Clayes III Performing Arts Center box office by calling 657-278-3371, 11a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online.
Feb. 15, 2012
