DHS To Present "The Drowsy Chaperone"
Call it cheese or fluff -- you'd be right, according to Russ Saxton, director of The Drowsy Chaperone, a Tony Award winning musical being presented March 1, 2, 3, & 5 at 7:30 PM at Dixie High School.
Saxton thinks the show will whet the appetites of musical fans in the area who are looking for something new. This new musical was born in 1997 by a group of comedy writers who created a spoof of old musicals as a wedding gift for Second City comedy troupe veteran Bob Martin and his wife, Janet Van De Graaff. After several incarnations, the musical appeared on Broadway and, in 2006, won five Tony Awards. "It has no pretense of being intellectual," Saxton said. "It's just a fun musical. I think everybody will love it."
"I originally saw this show in 2007 on Broadway and I knew it was a show I wanted to stage," said Saxton. "It's a musical within a comedy that is probably the funniest musical I've ever directed." He added. The show itself is relatively new, and amateur performance rights where only released 2 years ago. Dixie High School is among the first to produce the show in Southern Utah.
According to Saxton, "The premise is The Man in the Chair -- that's the character name -- is blue”. To chase his blues away, he drops the needle on his favorite LP – the 1928 musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. From the crackle of his record player, the musical magically bursts to life on-stage telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, the debonair groom, the dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a pair of gangsters who double as pastry chefs. Man in Chair's love of The Drowsy Chaperone speaks to anyone who has ever been transported by the theater.
There are 18 talented DHS students in the DHS production. “These students are among the most amazing students I’ve had the privilege to direct”, said Saxton. He added, "They are suited so well to the show and are perfect for their roles."Janae Klumpp plays the chaperone, with Tanner Hafen as the Man in the Chair. Michael Graf and Austin Hodges are the gangsters. Malory Brown is Janet Van de Graff; Nathan Myers is Aldolpho; Elizabeth Adams is Mrs. Tottendale; Jordan Christiansen is Robert Martin; Austin Evertsen is George; Baylee Hogan is Trix; Avonlea Dalley is Kitty; Gabe Garcia is Feldzieg; and Garrison Ganowsky is the underling.
The Drowsy Chaperone choreographed by Laurel Peterson, with musical direction by Sheryl Snow, scenery by DHS Advanced Tech Class and costumes by Marlo Rawlings.
The Drowsy Chaperone will be presented in the Dixie High School auditorium at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now at the DHS Finance Office (350 East 700 South) or by phone at 435-673-4682. This is a delightfully funny show and true to Dixie High’s reputation, promises to be a not-to be-missed production.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to announce the addition to its 2012 season of the world's most beloved musical: Les Misérables.
DSC World Premiere Musical, Nathan Hale
A Revolutionary New Musical
The Dixie State College Theatre and Music Departments proudly invite you to the World Premiere Musical Nathan Hale, in performance Nov. 10-12 and 15-19. Nathan Hale is a dramatic musical treatment that explores the life of revolutionary war hero Nathan Hale. Nathan Hale was instrumental in gathering intelligence for the American Army under the direction of General George Washington, which provided advantage against the British Army. Brent Hanson, Associate Dean of the Fine Arts Division at DSC, wrote the book and the lyrics. The music for Nathan Hale was written by Benjamin Stratford (DSC Alumni) and Ricky Valadez with additional music and orchestration by Dr. Shannon Roberts (DSC Music Faculty) and Justin Hansen (DSC Alumni).
Michael Harding, DSC Theatre’s resident Shakespeare scholar, professional actor and Associate Professor of Theatre, directs the production. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to see an original and remarkable DSC production come to life. Shows start promptly at 7:30 p.m. in the Eccles Fine Art Center on the Dixie State College campus. You can also enjoy the ambience of the Sears Art Gallery before the show and at intermission. For tickets and detailed information call the DSC Box office at 435-652-7800 or book your tickets directly on the web at www.tickets.dixie.edu. Also Friend us on Facebook at DSC Theatre Publicity to give us your feedback, for sneak previews, special commentary and more. We’ll see you at the Theatre!
Notes about the Production from Playwright Brent Hanson
Nathan Hale is a new musical piece about the famous Revolutionary War spy and hero. We’ve been working on this exciting project for the past several years. Nathan Hale’s true-life story is amazing. I think you’ll find our treatment of it to be extremely moving and inspiring.
Nathan Hale is that Revolutionary War Hero who uttered the famous words “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan was born in Connecticut. His father was a successful farmer--successful enough to send Nathan and his brother to Yale.
After Nathan graduated from Yale, he started a career as a schoolteacher. While he was teaching in New London, Connecticut, the Revolutionary War broke out. When Nathan received news of “the shot heard around the world,” he left his teaching position and enlisted in the Continental Army. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant and then promoted to Captain. Later, he was recruited into Knowlton’s Rangers, an elite special operations group.
As the war progressed, the British took over New York City. The American Army was terribly outnumbered and if Washington could find out where the British would strike next it would give the Americans an advantage. Washington asked for volunteers to go under cover into New York to gather information. Nathan volunteered. He got across the line and into the city, where he was successful in gathering information about British fortifications and troop deployments.
Just as he was about to sneak back into American territory, Nathan was caught--perhaps betrayed by a Tory cousin. Nathan held compromising documents on his person, and there was no possibility that he would escape justice. At the time of his capture, Nathan was twenty-one years old.
The play explores the personality of this heroic young man. It focuses on making choices. It focuses on what it means to be fully committed to a cause. It focuses on love—romantic love, and the love of friends. Most of all it focuses on questions about freedom: what is the value of freedom, and what is the price of freedom? We think these questions are as timely today as they were for Nathan Hale, and we think our audiences are going to have a great experience with this production. Don’t miss it!
Utah Shakespeare Festival 50th Anniversary
The key…? is the key to the perfect murder!
Tony married for money. Now he'll kill for it.
betrayal and jealousy reigns in Sicily
A story that ends with love and cleansing reconciliation.
Reflecting back on the Golden Anniversary at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
Opening Night
Reflecting back on the Golden Anniversary at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
For fifty years the Utah Shakespeare Festival has been presenting life-affirming classics with Shakespeare as the cornerstone while entertaining, enriching and educating. The 2011 golden anniversary season has proven to be one of the most successful and memorable years in Festival history.
“Fifty years is a major landmark for any nonprofit, so we wanted to celebrate in a big way. You only turn 50 once,” said Festival Executive Director R. Scott Phillips. “I’m extremely pleased not only with the strong artistic season we had, but with all the special parties and exhibits that showcased the accomplishments of the Festival.
The landmark season included eight full stage productions, two greenshows, a live television broadcast, and numerous Festival and community events. Events included a reunion of cast members from the first season in 1962, a community-wide party commemorating Shakespeare’s birthday, a traveling exhibit of photos depicting the history of the Festival, special post-play entertainment throughout opening week, a vintage car show, a beach party bash, a special showing of Shakespeare’s First Folio, the Festival Commemorative Exhibit Passport program, and a beautiful coffee-table book of the Festival’s first fifty years.
“The support and excitement for the Festival’s 50th anniversary from the community was overwhelming,” said Artistic Director David Ivers. “We had a great company this year and I’m really proud of the work that was produced, especially the shows that opened this fall. I think we enhanced the artistic level and that was reflected in an increase of ticket sales. I’m looking forward to continuing this momentum into the 51st season.”
At the close of the season, attendance reports showed that summer show sales totaled up nearly 7 percent more than 2010. And the fall season shows were 37 percent ahead of last year. Guests traveled from across the country in order to participate in this memorable year; on average Festival patrons come from more than 180 miles away.
“The vision and determination Fred Adams had for a Shakespeare Festival in little Cedar City in 1961 was incredible,” said Phillips. “Now Cedar City and Shakespeare are synonymous. The Festival has grown thanks to the support and encouragement of the community. The only thing bigger than 50 is 51.”
In honor of the golden anniversary the Festival received many congratulatory letters from prominent community members, public officials and industry colleagues. Cedar City Mayor, Joe Bugress wrote, “Cedar City would not be Cedar City without the Festival. The aura of class and distinction that defines our City is primarily due to the influence of the Utah Shakespeare Festival.”
Utah Governor, Gary R. Herbert said, “The Utah Shakespeare Festival has demonstrated leadership in promoting the arts in Utah on every front.”
“The Festival is a cultural gem of both Iron County and all who are privileged to attend its productions,” said Alma L. Adams, Chair of the Iron County Board of Commissioners.
“Shakespeare Festivals from around the world regularly benefit from the experience and generosity of the Utah Shakespeare Festival,” commented Patrick Spottiswoode, director of Globe Education Shakespeare’s Globe.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is located on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City. Tickets for the Festival’s 51st season in 2012 are now available by calling 1-800-PLAYTIX or by visiting the Festival website at www.bard.org.
BYU tv's Live Broadcast from theThe Utah Shakespeare Festival Podcast with:
A conversation with Fred Adams, festival founder and Steve Lowe, producer director BYU Brodcasting about the Utah Shakespeare Festival's 50th anniversary season's live TV production of: A Midsummer's Night's Dream.
The behind the scenes story of how The Utah Shakespeare Featival and BYU TV were able to produce the first live TV show of a Shakespeare play from the festival stage.
The Stage Manager Podcast with:
A conversation with Becky Merold Stage Manager for Richard III at the Utah Shakespeare Festival's 50th anniversary season.
The Richard III Podcast with:
A conversation with Christian Barillas who plays George Duke of Gloucester, Carole Healey who plays the Duchess of York, Beckey Merold Stage Manager and Sara J. Griffin who plays Ann in the Utah Shakespeare Festival's production of Richard III.
The Glass Menagerie Podcast with:
A conversation with Jeb Burris who plays Jim, Sara J. Griffin who plays Laura and Ben Jacoby who plays Tom in the Utah Shakespeare Festival's production of The Glass Menagerie
The Music Man Podcast with:
Max Robinson who plays Mayor Shinn in the Music Man and Rhett Guter who plays Tommy Djilas, and also choreographed the play, talk about the Utah Shakespeare Festival's 50th anniversery production of The Music Man.
Utah Shakespeare Festival's Scenery:
A Conversation with James Varkala Scenery Director at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. He talks about the complex job of designing and building 10 scene sets every year.
Romeo and Juliet Podcast with:
A conversation with Magan Wiles who plays Juliet, Christian Barillas who plays Romeo and Roderick Peeples who plays Friar Lawrence in the Utah Shakespeare Festival's production of Romeo and Juliet.
A Midsummer Night's Dream Podcast with:
A conversation with Kymberly Mellen who plays Hippolyta and Titania in the Utah Shakespeare Festival's production of A MIdsummer Night's Dream; and Josh Stavros assistant director.
There is still time to Find Fun at the Festival. See You Tube preview below.
Noises Off Podcast with:
A conversation with: Ben Livingston, Milenda Parrett, and Quinn Mattfeld, three actors in the Utah Shakespeare Festival'sNoises Off.
DSC Theatre
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Mar.1, 2, 3, 6-10 Eccles Mainstage
DSC Theatre continues the Tony Award winning “TRADITION” of Tevye, the lone milkman of Anatevka, his family and the people of their primitive but “traditionally” balanced Village! The production designs and theme for DSC’s Fiddler on the Roof derive from the works of artist/painter Marc Chagall.
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged)
Jan. 26-28, 31, Feb 1-4 Eccles Black Box
A Parody! All 38 plays from Shakespeare’s cannon performed in 97 minutes (or so)! Get ready for rip-roaring fun and laughter for the entire family that will require stitches to the belly after experiencing this renowned Parody by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. Directed by Mark Houser, the new Program Director of the DSC Theatre Department! Guaranteed family friendly and fun!
(THE) ODYSSEY an original adaptation by DSC’s Michael Harding
April 12-21 Eccles Black Box
(The) Odyssey is an original and unique account of Homer’s Odyssey as it is seen through the eyes of a Victorian Writer. Live in the language and on the pages of a our Victorian Author’s work as he tells the story of the journey of Odysseus and his voyage home ten years after the destruction of Troy. Masterful movement and mask-work, eloquent dialogue, puppetry and an inspiration derived from the most interesting theatre from around the world, (The) Odyssey is a journey you, the audience, are bound to enjoy and remember long after the original experience!
So come on out! There is music in the Lobby! There are smiling students gracing the stages, the halls and classrooms once again. The first set is under construction on the Mainstage and the Faculty is invigorated with the potential of such an exciting year. The one element that makes the extraordinary experience complete is you! Experience Dixie State College’s live Theatre at its finest! Join us for our 2011/12 Season. We’ll see you at the Theatre!
All productions start promptly at 7:30 pm (house opens at 7 pm) in the Black Box and Main Stage Theatres located in the Eccles Fine Art Center on the Dixie College Campus in downtown St. George, Utah. For tickets and detailed information call the Box office at 435-652-7800 or book your tickets directly over the web by visiting www.tickets.dixie.edu. Visit DSC Theatre Publicity on Facebook for sneak previews, special commentary and more. We’ll see you at the Theatre! Save up to 35% by buying a Season Pass
Utah Shakespeare Festival Announces
51st - 2012 - Season
Tickets for 2012 Season To Go on Sale
Although the actors for the 2011 season of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival won’t even arrive in Cedar City for another week, the creative staff of the Festival is looking ahead a year; and David Ivers and Brian Vaughn, artistic directors, today announced their slate of plays for the 2012 season.
The season, coming on the heels of what is shaping up to be a very successful and popular 50th anniversary this year, will feature eight plays and will run June 21 to October 20, 2012. Tickets will go on sale June 23, 2011 to the general public; Festival members will be able to purchase tickets earlier.
In the Adams Shakespearean Theatre
The Merry Wives of Windsor
by William Shakespeare, features that loveable rogue, Falstaff, in a battle of wits with two of Windsor’s most clever women.
Titus Andronicus
has been produced at the Festival only one other time. This vicious tale of revenge is one of Shakespeare’s earliest tragedies and was one of his most popular plays during his lifetime.
Mary Stuart
by Friedrich Schiller, is a political intrigue telling the dynamic story of Mary Queen of Scots and her conflicts with Elizabeth I, Shakespeare’s queen. Written in 1800, it is compelling and highly charged Elizabethan drama.
In the Randall L. Jones Theatre
To Kill a Mockingbird
is a classic and potent stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s immensely popular and important novel. This much-read story is extremely relevant today as its beloved characters—Scout, Jem, Dill, Atticus, and others—come alive on the Festival stage.
The Drowsy Chaperone
a Tony Award-winning Broadway and regional hit, is an ingenious musical that will have audiences laughing and humming for days after the final curtain call.
Scapin
is a modern adaptation of Moliére’s hilarious comedy. It is irreverent, pun-filled, thoroughly modern, and filled from top to bottom with comic madness.
Hamlet
perhaps the greatest play in the English language, comes to the indoor Randall Theatre this year for a new look at William Shakespeare’s vision of murder, betrayal, family, love, and loss.
Stones in His Pocket
an audience favorite at the Festival, will return with David Ivers and Brian Vaughn once again playing a host of characters in this tragic, comic, and ultimately surprising tale of two Everymen.
TBA Holiday Show: The Festival will produce in December a special treat for its audiences. The exact play is yet to be decided, but will certainly feature all the warmth and joy of the Christmas season.
For more information or to order tickets, please call 800-PLAYTIX or visit www.bard.org.