OU student actors to poke fun at the glory days of musical theater

Starting on Thursday, Oct. 6, Oakland University's Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will stage a delightful spoof of old-time musicals that features hummable tunes and plenty of good, clean fun.

"Little Mary Sunshine," which first opened in New York in 1959, centers on the dashing and gallant Captain "Big Jim" Warington of the Colorado Forest Rangers and his attempts to win the heart of Mary Sunshine

Meanwhile, the captain is challenged with stopping a dastardly villain in a murderous plot. A chorus of winsome school girls helps complete this loving lampoon, which features a book, music and lyrics by Rick Besoyan.

OU's theater students are performance professionals in training. With their contributions, MTD Productions offers patrons a wonderful opportunity to see high-caliber productions at an affordable price, while at the same time supporting the arts at a local level.

"Little Mary Sunshine" will run from Thursday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 9, as well as from Wednesday, Oct. 12, through Sunday, Oct. 16, in the Varner Studio Theatre on the campus of Oakland University.

Ticket prices are $18 for general admission, and $10 for students and the 10 a.m. matinee on Friday Oct. 7. Patrons may also pay what they wish ($1 minimum ticket price) for the Thursday Arts-After-Work series performance at 6 p.m. on Oct. 13. Tickets are available online at startickets.com, by phone at (248) 370-3013, or from the Varner Hall box office on the OU campus. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday from 3-6 p.m. and one hour before performances.

Free parking is available adjacent to the theatre. For more information, visit oakland.edu/mtd or call (248) 370-2030.