Theatre season to feature "Tartuffe," "Almost, Maine"

Thu, July 29, 2010 |

Moliere's most famous comedy, "Tartuffe," and the play "Almost, Maine," a collection of unusual and humorous love stories, are among the productions that will entertain audiences during Valparaiso University's 2010-2011 theatre season.

Valpo's Department of Theatre (www.valpo.edu/theatre) will present five mainstage productions at the Center for the Arts on campus during its upcoming season:

• "Almost, Maine," by John Cariani, Oct. 6-10
• "Tartuffe" by Moliere, Nov. 10-14
• Valparaiso University Dance Ensemble, Feb. 10-13
• "The Universal Wolf," by Joan Schenkar, Feb. 16-20
• "Floyd Collins," by Tina Landau and Adam Guettel, April 13-17

"Students will experience all kinds of acting and design challenges this year," said Lee Orchard, professor of theatre at Valpo. "Actors will get the chance to perform in wigs and French renaissance costumes in the historical 'Tartuffe,' while they also will have the opportunity to perform in very contemporary works. For example, the first show of the season tells eight different love stories with 19 characters."

Orchard discusses the 2010-2011 theatre season in a video on Valpo's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzNepeBB9hk.

Opening the season is "Almost, Maine," a comedy that takes place in a mythical town in the middle of a bleak, snowy winter where the residents fall in love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.

The play will be directed by Orchard, who has led more than 60 productions ranging from Greek tragedies to modern musicals. Performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 to 8 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 and 10 in Valpo's University Theatre.

"Tartuffe" will keep audiences laughing and in suspense as the plot reveals how a religious hypocrite - an imposter - almost succeeds in his scheme to jail a naive friend and his family in an effort cheat them out of their home.

R. Andrew White, associate professor of theatre, will direct "Tartuffe," with performances at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 to 12 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14 in the University Theatre. The Valpo Dance Ensemble will open the spring semester with its annual concert – a colorful program of original jazz, ballet, tap and modern dance numbers choreographed by faculty and students and set to music. Performances are at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 and 11 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13 in the University Theatre.

The fourth production of the season, "The Universal Wolf," is a darkly humorous version of Little Red Riding Hood with a postmodern twist. Critics have called the play "a side-splitting comedy that has delighted audiences across the country and round the world." Some of the content is not appropriate for children.

Directed by White, performances will take place in the Studio Theatre Feb. 16 to 18 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 19 and 20 at 2 p.m.

The season will conclude with "Floyd Collins," a musical based on the true story of the legendary Kentucky caver who was trapped while exploring Sand Cave in the winter of 1925. The music of "Floyd Collins" sets the scene of raw human emotion that surrounds a cast of characters dealing with imminent tragedy.

Directed by Orchard, with musical direction by Dennis Friesen-Carper, Reddel professor of music, "Floyd Collins" will be performed in the University Theatre April 13 to 15 at 8 p.m. and April 16 and 17 at 2 p.m.

Students in Valpo's Department of Theatre also will act in and direct two annual productions in the University's Studio Theatre:

• Directing Showcase – The work of the Department of Theatre's student directors is showcased in this annual presentation of one act plays, ranging from modern classics to the best of contemporary drama, taking place at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9.
• The 1-2-3-4-5 Series – Students have 30 days to rehearse for these productions, will be held in the spring semester, dates to be announced.

For more information about upcoming productions or to purchase season tickets, call the Valpo Box Office at (219) 464-5162. Tickets to individual performances may be reserved by calling the Box Office or purchased online (www.valpo.edu/vuca/ticket.php). Groups of at least 10 may reserve seats together and get a $3 discount per seat by calling at least two weeks in advance of each production's opening. Season tickets for the five mainstage productions can be purchased at a cost of $55 for adults and $35 for seniors.

The public also is invited to sign up for a monthly e-mail that will announce upcoming Valpo visual and performing arts news and events at www.valpo.edu/vuca/mailinglist.php.