“Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett

Merillat Centre for the Arts Studio Theatre

September 14, 15, 2006 – 7:30 p.m.

September 16, 2006 – 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Educational matinee – September 16, 2006 – 9:30 a.m.

Directed by Mike Burnett, assistant professor of theatre arts

A classic of the modern theatre.  On Broadway, The NY World-Telegram describes: “‘Gotdot’ cannot be compared to any other theatre work, because its purpose is so different. Two dilapidated bums fill their days as painlessly as they can.  They wait for Godot, a personage who will explain their interminable insignificance or put an end to it. They are resourceful, with quarrels and their dependence on each other, as children are. They pass the time ‘which would have passed anyway.’ A brutal man of means comes by, leading a weakling slave who does his bidding like a mechanical doll.  Later on he comes back, blind, and his slave is mute, but the relationship is unchanged.  Every day a child comes from the unknown Godot, and evasively puts the big arrival off until tomorrow…It is a tragic view. Yet, in performance, most of it is brilliant, bitter comedy…It is a portrait of the dogged resilience of a man’s spirit in the face of little hope.”
 

“Little Shop of Horrors” by Alan Menken & Howard Ashman

Merillat Centre for the Arts Zurcher Auditorium

November 2, 3, 2006 – 7:30 p.m.

November 4, 2006 – 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Educational matinee – November 3, 2006 – 9:30 a.m.

Directed by David Shamburger, assistant professor of theatre

A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!  One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a household name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who redefined the animated musical film with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty And The Beast” and “Aladdin.” Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, “Little Shop of Horrors” never fails to entertain.
 

“Crimes of the Heart” by Beth Henley

Merillat Centre for the Arts Studio Theatre

February 15, 16, 2006 – 7:30 p.m.

February 17, 2006 – 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Educational matinee – February 15, 2006 – 9:30 a.m.

Directed by David Shamburger, assistant professor of theatre

Winner of the 1981 Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. An astonishing first play, initially presented by the Actors Theatre of Louisville, then Off Broadway, and then on Broadway, where it established the author as a major voice in theatre.  Warm-hearted, zany and brilliantly imaginative, the play teems with humanity and humor as it examines the plight of three young Mississippi sisters betrayed by their passions.  “While this play overflows with infectious high spirits, it is also, unmistakably, the tale of a very troubled family.  Such is Miss Henley’s prodigious talent that she can serve us pain as though it were a piece of cake.” — New York Times.
 

“The Royal Cricket of Japan” by James Lash

Merillat Centre for the Arts Zurcher Auditorium

April 12, 13, 2006 – 7:30 p.m.

April 14, 2006 – 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Educational matinees – April 12 & 13, 2006 – 9:30 a.m.

Directed by Mike Burnett, assistant professor of theatre arts

An engaging fantasy for children and adults that follows the adventures of Osee, the Royal Cricket Keeper’s son, as he journeys to find the Royal Cricket of Japan.  Whoever holds the Royal Cricket will be emperor, and Kuda, the Royal Executioner, has a deceptive plan to gain control of the empire.  Osee must shrink down to the size of the smallest bug and encounter the Tumblebug, Butterfly and even some Spiders as he searches for the Royal Cricket.  “The Royal Cricket of Japan” will delight children of all ages (and the kids too!!!).

LAB SEASON – opportunities for student produced works

Fresh Faces

Merillat Centre for the Arts Zurcher Auditorium

September 22, 2006 – 7:30 p.m.

Huntington University Theatre and Music showcases its newest class of talent in its annual evening of scenes & songs.
 

“Shakesperience!” – for Homecoming & Family Weekend

On the Dock – Studio Theatre if raining

October 7, 2006 – time TBA

If Shakespeare had a Greatest Hits DVD, this would be the live show!  Many scholars agree that the closest thing to Shakespearean productions in the modern theatre is the musical.  This idea has been taken to heart and developed into a simple concept show that fuses the musical theatre of today with the lively and robust theatre of Elizabethan England.  The Educational Touring show of HUTC, “Shakesperience!” will be presented on campus during Homecoming 2006.
 

Senior Projects

Merillat Centre for the Arts Studio Theatre

November 17, 2006 – 7:30 p.m.

February 2, 2006 – 7:30 p.m.

April 20 – 7:30 p.m.

Huntington University theatre performance majors present an evening of scenes and monologues.
 

“Gift of the Magi”

Merillat Centre for the Arts Studio Theatre

December 1, 2006 – 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 9 p.m.

December 2, 2006 – 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Presented by Theatre Ensemble

It is Christmas in New York, but for two young lovers, Jim and Della, the prospects are bleak, as both are out of work and penniless.  But as those familiar with the famous O. Henry story are aware, their dilemma is solved when both part with their most precious possessions (she her beautiful long hair, he his heirloom pocket watch) in order to buy presents for each other thereby creating, at least for a magical moment, an aura of warmth and giving in the cold, impersonal winter city.  “…a bright and beguiling musical…calculated to bring a laugh to the throat and a misty tear to the eye of theatre goers, young or old.” — New York Tribune
 

Annual One Act Play Festival

Merillat Centre for the Arts Studio Theatre

May 4, 5, 2006 – 7:30 p.m.

Student directors present a menagerie of works in this annual festival.  The resulting evenings give student directors, actors, and designers opportunities to showcase their talent.

Guerilla Theatre – Studio Theatre

Sponsored by Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honor society, Guerilla Theatre is an evening of random and sporadic theatre.  Comprised of scenes, monologues, and songs, these performances are free to attend.

September 23, 2006

November 18, 2006

February 3, 2006

April 21, 2006