Drama, Comedy and Passion

New Season Opens for Theatre, Dance and Music

February 17, 2009

Drama and comedy and passion are all available in this spring’s performing arts season in the Clayes Performing Arts Center.

Theatre and dance productions kick off Feb. 27 with Eric Czuleger's “Moonburn,” a play about a son returning home to see his dying mother after seven years of estrangement. The main character, Mark Caulder, son of famed author Lucy Caulder, has recently published a sensationalist expose of his abusive childhood and now is desperate for atonement. Directed by Joseph Arnold, associate dean of the College of the Arts, the production runs FEb. 27 through March 15 in the Hallberg Theatre.

Other theatre and dance productions:

“Big Love” by Charles Mee, a play about 50 brides rebelling against their arranged marriages. Directed by James R. Taulli, professor of theatre and dance, and offered March 13-28 in the Young Theatre.
“Guys and Dolls,” a musical comedy from the book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Directed by Eve Himmelheber, assistant professor of theatre and dance, the production runs March 27 through April 19 in the Little Theatre.
Noel Coward's “Hay Fever,” a comedy about a family of actress mother, novelist father and two clever children. The April 17 through May 3 production is directed by Paul Barnes.
Spring Dance Theatre May 7 through 17 in the Little Theatre and coordinated by Gladys Kares, professor of theatre and dance.

Guest artist performances of classic and contemporary solo and group performances. Selections include:

Feb. 27 — guitarist Carlos Perez
March 1 — Bella Sorella vocal group
March 11 — Vienna Boys Choir
March 13 — guitarist Margarita Escarpa
March 15 — Duke Ellington Orchestra
March 18 — New Music Ensemble
March 19 — flautist Nicole Mitchell performing with the Jazz Ensembles I&II
March 20 — Flutes, Odd Harps and Electronics featuring performers Jane Rigler and Anne La Berge
March 21 — Paul Dresher Ensemble

Faculty performances include the Lloyd Rodgers Group on March 5 and violinist Ernest Salem and pianist Alison Edwards on April 10.

Performances by student ensembles include:

March 8 — clarinetist Hakan Rosengren with the University Symphony Orchestra and University Singers
April 16 — Cello Choir
April 23-26 — Gilbert & Sullivan's “The Mikado”
April 28 — Jazz Singers with Carol Welsman

For more information and to order tickets, go to www.fullerton.edu/arts/events.