Saint Mary’s students to stage ‘Rabbit Hole’ Sept. 25-28

The Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre and Dance will stage “Rabbit Hole” Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 25-28.

Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. “Rabbit Hole” is a story of loss, honesty, compassion and wit during a time when a family tries to pick up the broken pieces to try to move forward with their daily lives.

This winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Saint Mary’s senior theatre major Kathleen Bryant, confronts the emotions surrounding human loss and the unique, and at times hilarious, ways we cope with grief.

The show runs 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 25-28, and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28, in the Studio Theatre of the Performance Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, 507-457-1715, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

‘Talking With …’ runs through Monday

A collection of 11 quirky female characters will take the stage today through Monday, March 8, as the Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Talking With …” The production, under the direction of Dr. Gary Diomandes, begins at 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday and Monday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Valéncia Academy Theatre, located at 10th and Vila streets.

Written by Jane Martin, “Talking With …” features 11 very different women including: a young woman who tests her Christian faith by handling poisonous snakes; a baton twirler who sees the face of Jesus 30 feet in the air; a destitute woman who wants to live in McDonald’s, where the sick are cured by Big Macs and no one ever dies; and a housewife who escapes to Oz every day.

They make us laugh and they make us think. And even when their challenges and crises appear larger than life, the characters embody universal issues: unbearable loneliness, crises of confidence, bereavement, loss of hope and struggles with faith. Their idiosyncratic characters amuse, move and frighten audiences while always speaking from the depths of their souls.

Tickets for adults are $10 and $5 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org. SMU faculty and staff are eligible to receive two free tickets.

SMU students to perform ‘Vanities’ in London

Saint Mary’s University theatre majors will stage the bittersweet comedy “Vanities,” a show that chronicles the lives, loves, disappointments and dreams of three best friends, in London this fall.

The plot revolves around three women as they mature during tumultuous times in American history — the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and the women’s movement. Although written in the ’70s, “Vanities” focuses on the timeless question all women ask themselves, “Can we have it all?” The play is directed by Dr. Gary Diomandes.

Qualified SMU theatre majors are studying in London this semester through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London Program.

SMU students to perform in London

Saint Mary’s University theatre majors will stage the bittersweet comedy “Vanities,” a show that chronicles the lives, loves, disappointments and dreams of three best friends, in London.

The plot revolves around three women as they mature during tumultuous times in American history — the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the height of the Vietnam War and the women’s movement. Although written in ’70s, “Vanities” focuses on the timeless question all women ask themselves, “Can we have it all?” The play is directed by Dr. Gary Diomandes.

Qualified theatre majors at Saint Mary's are studying theatre in London this semester through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London Program.

Play about Gaza is student senior project

“Seven Jewish Children,” a chamber theatre piece about Gaza, written by Caryl Churchill, will be performed at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 2-4 at the studio theatre. The freeform play is Bernadette Raspante’s senior theatre graduation project.

Saint Mary’s students to stage ‘A Chorus Line’ March 27-30

The Department of Theatre and Dance, under the direction of Judy Myers, will stage the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “A Chorus Line” March 27-30.

The show is set in an empty theatre, on a bare stage, during casting for a new Broadway musical. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It’s what they’ve worked for every day of their lives. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed — to have the chance to dance. The storyline delves into the personalities of the performers as they describe events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.

The timeless classic about passion, despair and joy is the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Audiences will find themselves singing along to familiar favorites by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban like “One (Singular Sensation),” “What I Did for Love,” and “I Hope I Get It.”

“A Chorus Line,” is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line — a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fri., March 27; Saturday, March 28; and Monday, March 30; with a 3 p.m. showing on Sunday, March 29 — all at Page Theatre, in the Performance Center.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org. Because of adult content, this play is suitable for mature audiences only.

Saint Mary’s students to stage ‘Long Christmas Ride Home’

The heart — and the heartbreak — of family dynamics are closely examined in the hopeful drama, “The Long Christmas Ride Home,” to be presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance at Saint Mary’s.

In a seemingly Rockwellesque beginning, author Paula Vogel introduces audiences to a family of five, traveling by car to their grandparent’s house on Christmas Day.

Arguments ensue, unfortunate words are spoken, and we discover that memories of this dysfunctional and poignant car ride play a pivotal role in how the family’s three children mature into adulthood.

As the author intended, the three children are portrayed by Japanese Bunraku-inspired puppets. In this production each puppet is controlled by two black-cloaked figures, and one of their puppeteers (whose face is not obscured) then becomes an adult version of each child as the story flashes forwards.

Audiences also discover that the opening car ride is a memory of one of the children, Steven, who has died of AIDS. Though somewhat damaged by their past experiences, the three siblings have an enduring bond that transcends life itself.

“It’s universally beautiful,” said director Sarah St. Laurent, an SMU senior theatre major. “We all have a family, and no family is perfect. Family comes with a lot of baggage, but there are also redeeming qualities.” St. Laurent and Preston Lawing, chair of the SMU Department of Art and Design, constructed the puppets used in this presentation.

The show contains several adult themes and is recommended for mature audiences.

“The Long Christmas Ride Home” will be staged at Academy Theatre, located at the Valéncia Arts Center, 10th and Howard streets. The show runs 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 26-28 and Monday, March 2; a matinee performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1.

Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Saint Mary’s students staging ‘Playhouse Creatures’

The Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre Arts will stage the racy historical drama “Playhouse Creatures” through Nov. 9.

Set in 1669, a bawdy and troublesome time, “Playhouse Creatures,” by April DeAngelis details a time when theatres have just reopened after 17 years of Puritan suppression. With this surge in theatrical activity, comes a new British novelty — the actress. Too often the lines between actress and prostitute become obscured as these women walked a tightrope between admiration and derision.

Directed by Dr. Steven Bouler, “Playhouse Creatures” captures the pioneering struggles of these extraordinary women, including six of the most famous — Nell Gwyn, Elizabeth Farley, Rebecca Marshall, Elizabeth Barry, Doll Common and Mary Betterton.

This tale of theatrical heroism and perseverance is a moving, and often comic, account of the precarious lives of Restoration actresses. Please note that this play contains adult language and situations.

“Playhouse Creatures” begins at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, Nov. 7-8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. All performances will be held in the Academy Theatre of the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Saint Mary’s students to stage ‘Playhouse Creatures’ Nov. 6-9

The Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre Arts will stage the racy historical drama “Playhouse Creatures” Nov. 6-9.

Set in 1669, a bawdy and troublesome time, “Playhouse Creatures,” by April DeAngelis details a time when theatres have just reopened after 17 years of Puritan suppression. With this surge in theatrical activity, comes a new British novelty — the actress. Too often the lines between actress and prostitute become obscured as these women walked a tightrope between admiration and derision.

Directed by Dr. Steven Bouler, “Playhouse Creatures” captures the pioneering struggles of these extraordinary women, including six of the most famous — Nell Gwyn, Elizabeth Farley, Rebecca Marshall, Elizabeth Barry, Doll Common and Mary Betterton.

This tale of theatrical heroism and perseverance is a moving, and often comic, account of the precarious lives of Restoration actresses. Please note that this play contains adult language and situations.

“Playhouse Creatures” begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 6-8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. All performances will be held in the Academy Theatre of the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Saint Mary’s to stage comedy ‘Bus Stop’ Sept. 25-28

Despite being trapped in a howling snowstorm, weary bus travelers find love and romance in a cheerful roadside diner during the Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre Arts production of “Bus Stop” Sept. 25-28, coinciding with SMU’s Family Weekend.

In this playful romantic comedy, written by William Inge and directed by Judy Myers, Cherie, a young and pretty nightclub singer has been kidnapped by a lovesick 21-year-old cowboy with a ranch of his own (and the romantic methods of an unusually headstrong bull). Romances blossom as audiences are introduced to a roomful of colorful characters including an inebriated English professor, a virtuous bus driver and many more.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25, 26 and 27. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.

Tickets for the performance — to be held in the Page Theatre — are $10, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

‘Playhouse Creatures’ named as second theatre show

The SMU Theatre Department has changed one of its previously announced productions for the upcoming school year. New to the schedule is “Playhouse Creatures” written by April DeAngelis and directed by Dr. Steven Bouler — to be presented at the Valéncia Academy Theatre, Nov. 6-9.

Previously purchased tickets for the production “She Stoops To Conquer” will be honored.

SMU students to stage Greek tragedy ‘Iphigenia’ April 18-21

The Greek tragedy “Iphigenia at Aulis” will take on chilling contemporary significance during the Department of Theatre Arts production April 18-21.

“Iphigenia at Aulis,” by Euripides, centers on Iphigenia, the teenage daughter of Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Coalition of Greek Forces. While waiting to attack the town of Troy, Agamemnon offends the goddess, Artemis, who denies the army the wind of modern warfare, technology, stranding the fleet in the bay of Aulis. The priest Calchas tells him that he must sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to restore the wind and achieve ultimate victory.

SMU’s contemporary version of the tragedy — adapted and directed by Dr. Steven Bouler — explores the dark side of patriotism and war fever, and how far a politician-turned-warrior will go to secure a victory, even if it means sacrificing his own child.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday, April 18, 19 and 21. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 20.

Tickets for the show — to be held in Page Theatre — are $8, $6 for students and seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

SMU students to stage Greek tragedy ‘Iphigenia’ April 18-21

The Greek tragedy “Iphigenia at Aulis” will take on chilling contemporary significance during the Department of Theatre Arts production April 18-21.

“Iphigenia at Aulis,” by Euripides, centers on Iphigenia, the teenage daughter of Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Coalition of Greek Forces. While waiting to attack the town of Troy, Agamemnon offends the goddess, Artemis, who denies the army the wind of modern warfare, technology, stranding the fleet in the bay of Aulis. The priest Calchas tells him that he must sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to restore the wind and achieve ultimate victory.

SMU’s contemporary version of the tragedy — adapted and directed by Dr. Steven Bouler — explores the dark side of patriotism and war fever, and how far a politician-turned-warrior will go to secure a victory, even if it means sacrificing his own child.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday, April 18, 19 and 21. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 20.

Tickets for the show — to be held in Page Theatre — are $8, $6 for students and seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

SMU students to stage Greek tragedy ‘Iphigenia’ April 18-21

The Greek tragedy “Iphigenia at Aulis” will take on chilling contemporary significance during the Department of Theatre Arts production April 18-21.

“Iphigenia at Aulis,” by Euripides, centers on Iphigenia, the teenage daughter of Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Coalition of Greek Forces. While waiting to attack the town of Troy, Agamemnon offends the goddess, Artemis, who denies the army the wind of modern warfare, technology, stranding the fleet in the bay of Aulis. The priest Calchas tells him that he must sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to restore the wind and achieve ultimate victory.

SMU’s contemporary version of the tragedy — adapted and directed by Dr. Steven Bouler — explores the dark side of patriotism and war fever, and how far a politician-turned-warrior will go to secure a victory, even if it means sacrificing his own child.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday, April 18, 19 and 21. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 20.

Tickets for the show — to be held in Page Theatre — are $8, $6 for students and seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

SMU theatre students stage drama through March 3

A rural diner gets a rude awakening when staff and customers are held hostage at the hands of an unstable madman during Saint Mary’s University’s production of “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder?” The SMU Department of Theatre Arts is staging the disturbing drama now through March 3, in the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre.

When Teddy, a Vietnam veteran teetering on the edge of madness, and his young girlfriend barge into a forgotten New Mexico roadside diner, nothing will ever be the same for its five occupants. Teddy uses personal threats and wit to psychologically dismember his hostages. “Red Ryder’s” underlying theme includes a longing for the past – for childhood, for the innocence of the ’50s with its cowboy heroes. Just as the diner’s customers and staff will never be the same, author Mark Howard Medoff is telling his audience that this age of innocence is gone forever.

Performances, under the direction of Dr. Gary Diomandes, are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday, Feb. 29, March 1 and 3. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, March. 2.

“Red Ryder” is for mature audiences only; the content includes adult language and violence. Tickets for the show are $8, $6 for students and seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

SMU theatre students stage drama Feb. 28-March 3

A rural diner gets a rude awakening when staff and customers are held hostage at the hands of an unstable madman during Saint Mary’s University’s production of “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder?” The SMU Department of Theatre Arts will stage the disturbing drama Feb. 28-March 3, in the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre.

When Teddy, a Vietnam veteran teetering on the edge of madness, and his young girlfriend barge into a forgotten New Mexico roadside diner, nothing will ever be the same for its five occupants.
Read more... Teddy uses personal threats and wit to psychologically dismember his hostages. “Red Ryder’s” underlying theme includes a longing for the past – for childhood, for the innocence of the ’50s with its cowboy heroes. Just as the diner’s customers and staff will never be the same, author Mark Howard Medoff is telling his audience that this age of innocence is gone forever.

Performances, under the direction of Dr. Gary Diomandes, are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday, Feb. 28, 29, March 1 and 3. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, March. 2.

“Red Ryder” is for mature audiences only; the content includes adult language and violence. Tickets for the show are $8, $6 for students and seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Theatre department hosts student performances

Upcoming Theatre Department student events include:

• Sunday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m. (Valéncia Arts Center Theatre), “Duck Variations” by David Mamet (directed by Andrew Winecke ’08); and “Cowboy Mouth“ by Sam Shepard (directed by Walt Claassen ’08)
• Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Senior Portfolio Display (Performance Center Lobby)
• Monday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., Acting and Musical Theatre Showcase (Figliulo Recital Hall)

‘Yerma’ staged by SMU theatre students Nov. 9-12

A young woman’s painful yearning to be a mother leads to the gradual untangling of her mind in the Department of Theatre Arts production of “Yerma” Nov. 9-12.

The dark tragedy, “Yerma,” by Spanish playwright Federico Garcia Lorca, centers on a childless young woman, trapped in a bitter and loveless marriage. Trapped too by social attitudes and conventions, Yerma is prevented from loving another man. Her internal conflict and mental instability seal her fate in a tragic climax befitting her tragic life.
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The basic themes of this compelling tale — directed by Judy Myers — resemble the themes in every woman’s life: love, passion, desperation, sexuality and marriage.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday, Nov. 9, 10 and 12. A matinee performance is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11.

Tickets for the show are $8, $6 for students and seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

SMU students to perform, study in London first semester

Saint Mary’s theatre majors will stage “The Shadow Box” Oct. 17-20 at London’s New Wimbledon Studio. Qualified theatre majors at Saint Mary’s are studying theatre in London, England, this semester through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London Program.

SMU students to perform, study in London first semester

Saint Mary’s theatre majors will stage “The Shadow Box,” an emotional — and sometimes amusing — reflection about life and death Oct. 17-20 at London’s New Wimbledon Studio.

Qualified theatre majors at Saint Mary’s are studying theatre in London, England, this semester through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London Program. Under the guidance of Saint Mary’s faculty, the program will include a variety of classes in theatre, as well as courses focusing on broader enrichment. Students will also have the unique opportunity to attend numerous performances at London’s West End, Off-West End, and Fringe theatres.
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“The Shadow Box,” written by Michael Cristofer, dramatizes the final days of three terminal cancer patients who dwell in separate cottages on a hospital’s grounds. The 1977 Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play explores their anxieties, as well as their acceptance of the finality of their condition, the inevitable and imminent end of their lives. Family and close friends who visit these patients add some heartrending — as well as humorous — situations.

Participating are: director, Dr. Gary Diomandes; assistant director, Sarah St. Laurent; stage manager, Erica Prond; and lighting designer, Roger Frith. Performers include: Alex Gorgone (Joe), Rachel Crawford-Miller (Maggie), Michael Fye (Steve), Mark Skrade (Brian), JM Montecalvo (Mark), Alyssa Schlageter (Beverly), Martha Walters (Felicity), Whitney Rappana (Agnes), and Diana Connolly (Interviewer).