Themes of love, hate, comedy and tragedy mark Oakland University’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance 2011-12 theater season, which opens with an October production of the classic “Little Mary Sunshine.” Directed by Thomas M. Suda, this spoof of the old-fashioned musical comedy takes audiences back to a simpler time when virtue was everything and justice always triumphed. The production runs from Thursday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 16, in Varner Studio Theatre.
The following play, “The Women of Lockerbie,” is an inspiring story of love overcoming hate. The play is set on December 21, 1995, the seven-year anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 terrorist bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. The women of Lockerbie, determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love, want to wash the clothes of the dead and return them to the victims' families. The tragedy is seen through the eyes of one American family and the residents of the little town whose lives were changed forever. Directed by Karen Sheridan, the production runs from Thursday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 20, in Varner Studio Theatre
The winter semester opens with a production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt, from Feb. 2-12. The Shakespeare comedy will be followed by the play “Grey Gardens,” which brings to life the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis. Set in 1941 and 1973, this musical tells their alternately hilarious and heartbreaking story. It is directed by Tony Guest and will run from Thursday, March 22, through Sunday, April 1, in Varner Studio Theatre
The season will conclude with a summer staging of “Captain Louie.” Based on a children’s book by Ezra Jack Keats, the story is set on Halloween night and is full of tricks and treats as young Louie takes his little red plane on an imaginary journey to visit some old neighborhood friends. Directed by Fred Love, the production will run from Friday, May 18, through Sunday, May 20, in Varner Studio Theatre, with a planned tour of elementary schools during May and June.
For more information, including times and ticket prices, view the MTD website or call (248) 370-2030.
Five plays offer fans of the dramatic arts a diverse array of settings, stories and themes.
Created by David Groves (groves@oakland.edu) on Friday, September 30, 2011 Modified by David Groves (groves@oakland.edu) on Friday, September 30, 2011 Article Start Date: Friday, September 30, 2011
