Oct. 13-14, and Oct. 20-23, 2011
What could be more difficult than struggling through the end of the Great Depression, sharing your small home with your widowed aunt and her two daughters, and fighting to keep the family intact, all with the threat of war looming on the horizon? … Puberty! See the world through the pages of 14 year-old Eugene’s ‘Memoirs’ in Neil Simons’ heart-warming, thought-provoking, coming of age comedy and follow the trials of the Jerome family as they make the best of life in 1937 Brooklyn, when principles were questioned as luxuries in the challenges of a financial crisis. Sound familiar? Neil Simon is one of the world’s most successful playwrights and Brighton Beach Memoirs is one of his most successful plays. The original Broadway production ran for over 1300 performances, won numerous awards, and launched Matthew Broderick’s career. Join TheaterCNU for this American Classic.
*Some themes and language may not be appropriate for younger or more sensitive audience members.
The Duchess of Malfi
Nov. 11-13, and Nov. 18-20, 2011
This “beautifully perverse” poetic masterpiece, set in the corrupt court of 16th century Amalfi, Italy, follows the young Duchess, a wealthy widow, as she makes her first appearance at court. Her greedy, morally-bankrupt brothers, covetous of her riches, demand she never marry. To further their schemes, the brothers secure the services of a notorious spy. But love will not be denied as The Duchess defies her brothers and, attended by her loyal lady-in-waiting, marries her lowly household steward. Her actions releases a torrent of emotions that journeys “into the heart of darkness.” A story of love, greed, intrigue, murder and redemption, this rarely performed adaptation by Bertolt Brecht and W.H. Auden conceives John Webster’s Jacobean revenge masterwork, meant as a warning of puritanical fanaticism, as a “romantic and politically subversive” poetic tragedy. Director Denise Gillman proudly reprises her critically acclaimed 1998 Los Angeles World Premiere staging of this adaptation.
One Act Play Festival
December 2-3, 2011
Our Fall semester traditionally ends with the dynamic Fall One-Act Play Festival in the experimental Studio Theatre space. This student directed, acted and designed festival has become a favorite of our audiences and a theatrical playground for our students’ imagination. The Festival often celebrates the most cutting edge contemporary plays in American Theater.
Steel Pier
February 24-26 and March 1-3, 2012
Kander and Ebb, the musical team behind such hits as Chicago, Cabaret, and Kiss of the Spider Woman, bring us this tale of lost love, blind ambition, and second chances. Set against the backdrop of Atlantic City’s 1930s dance marathons, this early swing-era story follows Rita Racine as she tries to recapture the fifteen minutes of fame she experienced as “Lindy’s Lovebird”, having been the first woman to kiss Lucky Lindy after his return from Paris. But her pursuit finds her trapped between her husband Mick, who uses her for her former glory, and the handsome and mysterious Billy, an exhibition pilot with a secret. The tension builds as the marathon participants dance to exhaustion. Will love and happiness prevail over fame and fortune? Join us at the Steel Pier to find out.
A Delicate Balance
March 22 - 23, 2011 - Music & Theatre Hall
“Dancing is a delicate balance between perfection and beauty.” (Unknown)
Come join TheaterCNU for its 2nd Annual Dance Concert which offers a delicate balance of tap, ballet, jazz, modern and musical theater dance styles. This high energy event features faculty, guest and student dancers and choreographers.
Humble Boy
April 6-7 and April 12-15, 2012
