TERRE HAUTE —
Crossroads Repertory Theatre at Indiana State University is currently in rehearsal for the four shows of its 2012 summer season. Carrying the theme “Other Places … Other Worlds,” the season will take audiences across the country, around the globe and even beyond the world.
“Even though the plays are set in other places and sometimes other times, each is a metaphor for here and now,” explained Arthur Feinsod, artistic director of Crossroads Rep. The plays feature audience-favorite actors from years past and directors who have brought excellent productions to life on this stage over the years.
The season opens June 22 with “Completely Hollywood (abridged),” a madcap dash taking the audience through the history of film. In fact, the returning comedy trio of Ryan Niemiller, Brandon Wentz and Eric Wilburn share 186 of the best films of all time in just under two hours. Written by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, creators of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” the fast-paced comedy promises pratfalls, audience participation, special effects and plenty of costume changes. “Completely Hollywood” is directed by Kristin Kundert-Gibbs, a faculty member at the University of Georgia who also directed memorable productions at Crossroads Rep between 2002 and 2005, including “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” “Moon Over Buffalo” and “The Foreigner.” Additional performances of Completely Hollywood are June 23 and 28 and July 17, 19, 22 and 28.
The second play, “On Golden Pond,” takes the audience to Maine, where Ethel (Julie Dixon) and Norman Thayer (Lew Hackleman) spend each summer.
“This play speaks to our desire to go to a faraway place to get away from everyday life,” director Dale McFadden said. “In nature, you can reflect on life.” While “Golden Pond” does provide an idyllic setting for the Thayers, strained family relationships and the difficulties that come with aging provide a dose of reality as well. The elder Thayers’ summer plans change when daughter Chelsea (Cathy Sponsler) arrives with her fiancé (Jason Bowen) and his son (Jonathan Wachala). “On Golden Pond” won the Drama Desk Award for Best Play, was made into a popular film starring Henry and Jane Fonda and continues to speak to audiences today. It will be performed June 29 and 30 and July 1, 5, 20 and 26.
The season’s musical offering is a world premiere written by the award-winning duo of Andrew Park and Scott Lamps. “Return of Neverland” is a sequel to “Peter Pan,” where grown-up Wendy’s daughter, Jane (Clara Butts), is lured to Neverland, a place her father (Jason Bowen) and mother (Carolyn Conover) have vowed she would never go. But off to Neverland Jane goes, where she encounters the fun and danger wrought by Captain Hook (Bowen), the evil mermaid (Conover), a host of fairies and, of course, the ever-young Peter Pan (Wachala).
“This musical teaches us that age is just a number,” director Feinsod said. “If you have a young spirit, you win.” The family-friendly musical opens July 6 and also runs July 7, 8, 12, 21 and 25.
The final show, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare, is being adapted and directed by Chris Berchild. Known for his creative use of technology and stretching the range of his performers by having them perform multiple roles, Berchild has set Shakespeare’s well-known comedy in the streets of 1890s Paris, where young lovers navigate the bohemian world of the Moulin Rouge and the magical fairy world of Puck and Oberon. In this adaptation, seven actors play more than 30 roles as they portray the three worlds of fairies, royals and the bohemians. This display of both literal and abstract interpretation of abandon opens July 13. Additional performances are July 14, 15, 18, 24 and 27.
Thanks to the generosity of the Florette McKinney Memorial Fund, Crossroads Rep will also offer four free Sunday Talks following the Sunday matinees. These sessions are open to anyone, even those who do not attend that day’s performance. On July 1, director and Indiana University professor McFadden and long-time Crossroads Rep favorite Hackleman will discuss the challenges and triumphs of producing “On Golden Pond.” St. Mary-of-the-Woods professor emeritus Judy Stoffel will share insights on J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s play, “Peter Pan,” on July 8. Next on July 15, ISU professor and innovative Crossroads Rep director Berchild will discuss his unique, modernized approach to directing Shakespeare. Finally, ISU professor emeritus Sharon Russell will explore some of Hollywood’s most memorable and best-loved films on July 22.
Season tickets are now available for just $48, while individual show tickets are $15 and go on sale June 18. Children’s tickets are $8 each for “Return of Neverland.” Indiana State University students get one free ticket per show with student ID, while ISU faculty and staff receive a reduced price for tickets. All evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m., with the Sunday matinees beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.crossroadsrep.com or at the ticket office located inside the theater, 540 N. Seventh Street. For additional ticket information, call (812) 237-3333.
Features
Crossroads Repertory Theatre readies for 2012 season
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