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| Jay Mapile (Buddy) and Alexandra Zorn (Brenda) take a moment away from "Brenda Bly: Teen Detective" rehearsals to enjoy a malted at Red Knapp's Dairy Bar in downtown Rochester. |
A British hit musical comes to Oakland University this spring, with the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance production of “Brenda Bly: Teen Detective,” which opens May 30 in Varner Studio Theatre.
Anyone who loves Nancy Drew or Disney’s “High School Musical” will delight in the adventures of this savvy teen as she investigates an assault on the leading lady of her high school’s end-of-term musical. According to composer Kevin Hammonds, Brenda began her journey to the stage at a Catholic High School in Pennsylvania.
“I was commissioned by a nun to write a play originally entitled ‘Sandbagged,’ but the show was cancelled due to actors missing rehearsals,” Hammonds said. “Shortly after, I approached (writer) Charles Miller, and we immediately began turning it into a musical. The result is the determined teenaged sleuth who struggles with her personal life and professional career.”
Guest director for the show is Canadian artist Dave Campbell, whose 21 years in the industry include theatre credits in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “Forever Plaid,” “Pump Boys And Dinettes,” “So Beautiful,” and four productions of “Cats.” He has also worked on all five seasons of “Canadian Idol,” “Radio Free Roscoe” for Disney/The Family Channel and the Canadian premiere of “Deal or No Deal.” Musical Director is OU professor Fred Love.
Regular performances are scheduled Friday, May 30 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 31 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 general admission, $8 for students and $6 for 10 a.m. matinees. A number of groups have reserved special performances, and individual tickets will be available for the following shows: May 15 and 16 at 10 a.m.; May 19 at 11:30 a.m.; May 20 and 21 at 10 a.m.; May 21 at 1 p.m.; May 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 10 a.m. For box office information or to make a group reservation, call 248-370-4578. Tickets are available through Star Tickets Plus! or by phone at (800) 585-3737 or at the Varner Box Office, open Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., and one hour before performances.
For more information on OU’s Music, Theatre and Dance Department, visit the MTD Web site.
A British hit musical comes to Oakland University this spring, with the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance production of “Brenda Bly: Teen Detective,” which opens May 30 in Varner Studio Theatre. Anyone who loves Nancy Drew or Disney’s “High School Musical” will delight in the adventures of this savvy teen as she investigates an assault on the leading lady of her high school’s end-of-term musical. According to composer Kevin Hammonds, Brenda began her journey to the stage at a Catholic High School in Pennsylvania.