Media Relations
William Woods University

The William Woods University theatre program is set to begin the 2011-2012 main stage season, and season tickets are now available.

“We think this year’s season has something for everyone: musical comedy, drama, farce and the finest in classic theatre literature,” Joe Potter, artistic director, said.

 

“In addition, to better serve our theatre patrons, we are changing our curtain time to 7:30 p.m. and we are bringing back by popular demand the 2 p.m. matinee performance. We hope these changes will give our theatre patrons ample opportunities to see great live theatre.”

 

The first performance of the year is “The Drowsy Chaperone,” with book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. It will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 in Cutlip Auditorium of the McNutt Campus Center

 

It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet, Janet Vander Graff, trying to find, and keep, her true love.

 

“The Drowsy Chaperone” will be directed by Potter, who is starting his 29^th year as a full-time WWU theatre professor. Before coming to WWU, he worked in professional theatre, television and film.

Choreography will be created by Adrienne Branson. A WWU graduate, Branson teaches dance at William Woods and is the founder of Dance Ovations. Musical direction will be provided by Rebecca Talbert, who is a music instructor at WWU. Jane Friedman, who is starting her 17th year as WWU costumer, will design the costumes.   

 

The second production will be “AMADEUS” by Peter Schaffer, winner of a Tony Award for Best Play and an Academy Award for Best Film. It will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 and 3 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 4 in Cutlip Auditorium.

 

According to Samuel French Inc., “This provocative work weaves a confrontation between mediocrity and genius into a tale of breathtaking dramatic power. In the court of the Austrian Emperor Josef, Antonio Salieri is the established composer. Enter the greatest musical genius of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri has given himself to God so that he might realize his sole ambition to be a great composer. Mozart is a graceless oaf who has that which is beyond Salieri's envious grasp: Genius.”

 

This production will be directed by Melissa Alpers-Springer, assistant professor of communication and theatre. Guest artist Dan Springer will design the set and lights for this production. Jane Friedman will provide costume design.             

 

In February, the theatre department will present “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” by John Bishop on Feb. 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in Dulany Auditorium.

 

The New York Times called it, “An ingenious and wildly comic romp, which enjoyed a long and critically hailed run both on and Off-Broadway. Poking antic fun at the more ridiculous aspects of ‘show biz’ and the corny thrillers of Hollywood's heyday, the play is a non-stop barrage of laughter as those assembled (or at least those who aren't killed off) untangle the mystery of the ‘Stage Door Slasher.’”

 

The production will be directed by Melissa Alpers-Springer. Guest Artist Dan Springer will design the scenery and lights. Jane Friedman will provide the costume design.

 

Closing out the season, the theatre department will present a classic from dramatic literature, “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder. It is scheduled for April 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and April 22 at 2 p.m. in Cutlip Auditorium.

 

The story follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry and eventually—in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre—die.   

American playwright Edward Albee described “Our Town” as “probably the finest play ever written by an American.”

 

The production will be directed by guest theatre artist, Kathy Potter. Joe Potter will provide scene and lighting design. Jane Friedman will design the costumes.

 

Season tickets are available through the final performance of “The Drowsy Chaperone” on Oct. 9. Season tickets offer several benefits, including a 20 percent savings on regular ticket pricing and preferred seating. Season ticket patrons also avoid long lines at the box office, and if tickets are lost or stolen, they will be replaced at no charge.

 

“Purchasing a 2011-2012 season ticket is an excellent way to save money and stretch your dollars in these tough economic times,” Potter said. “We hope you join us for what we think will be a good variety of the best in live theatre productions right here in Fulton.”

 

Season ticket prices are $40 for adults, $34 for senior citizens ages 62 and above and $22 for children ages 6-12. To order season tickets, contact Potter at joe.potter@williamwoods.edu or call (573) 592-4281.