Themes of humor, war and hope mark Oakland University’s Department of Music, Theater and Dance 2008-09 theatre season, which will open on Oct. 9 with William Finn’s “Falsettos.”
Directed by Fred Love and running until Oct. 19, the 1990 musical offers a glimpse into the life of a man named Marvin who leaves his wife after revealing that he’s gay. The characters learn a new meaning of the word “family” and to love unselfishly.
The season also pays tribute to the harsh realities of war with Eurpides’ “The Trojan Women,” directed by Karen Sheridan and “Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme,” a Company Class production written by Frank McGuinness and directed by Michael Gillespie. The shows will play on alternating evenings Nov. 13-22, with both shows performed during a 10-hour marathon event on Saturday, Nov. 22.
The winter semester will open with “How Many Clowns Can You Fit in a Volkswagen” which will feature juggler, mime, magician and stilt artist Rick Carver and Karen Sheridan, who studied mime in Paris and spent six years on the faculty at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. The family friendly show will run Jan. 15-18, 2009.
“Bloody Bess: A Tale of Piracy and Revenge” directed by John Manfredi, will storm the Varner Studio Theatre stage with murder, suspense and revenge on Feb. 5-15, 2009.
In March, Michael Gillespie will direct Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies” with musical direction by Fred Love. The tribute to a grand theatre and the performers whose careers depend on it will run from March 26 to April 5, 2009.
MTD’s spring show geared toward families and children will be Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s “The Little Prince” directed by Karen Sheridan. The children’s story will leave adults with profound insights into life and human nature and will play May 29-31, 2009. The show will be performed at area schools in addition to its regular performances.
The season will also feature student directed performances which will be announced later in the school year and “The Halloween Show” a fixture in Varner Lab Theatre in late October.
For information about the Oakland University Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, visit the MTD Web site or call (248) 370-2030.