New York-based actress returns to HU to direct ‘Seven Brides’
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Robin Higginbotham |
HUNTINGTON, Ind. Going courtin' is back in style at Huntington
University as guest director Robin Higginbotham brings a timeless musical to the stage this fall.
Higginbotham,
a professional actress, dancer and choreographer based out of New York
City, will guest direct "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" Nov. 14-16 and
21-23. Higginbotham returns to HU after last directing "As It Is In
Heaven" in the fall of 2008.
"'Seven Brides' to me is a classic,
and it needs to be performed that way," said Higginbotham, who has
played the title role of Millie in the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre.
"To me, it is the epitome of musical theater. I want to portray it in
the best, classical way that I can."
Based on the popular MGM
film, "Seven Brides" follows Millie, a headstrong young bride who
attempts to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law. Rich
with romance and bursting with comedy, this classic show hearkens back
to the glory days of the Hollywood movie musical.
Higginbotham
graduated from Shenandoah University with a bachelor's degree in theater
and has lived and worked in the New York City area for more than 13
years. She has worked as a professional actress for many years, with
credits ranging from Off-Broadway to regional houses across the nation.
She has choreographed for The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and has
toured the nation with Kenny Rogers, performing in his holiday show,
"Kenny Rogers in Christmas from the Heart."
She remains highly
involved as both an actress and director with Shenendoah Summer Music
Theatre, a professional theatre company that produces four Broadway
musicals on the campus of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.
Jay
Duffer, associate professor of theater arts at HU, hopes that her
extensive experience in theater will provide new insight into the field
for his students.
"I am thrilled to have Robin return to HU," he
said. "She is a gifted individual, and I know she will inspire our
students beyond their own expectations. Networking in the business of
theater is paramount, and the opportunity to work with someone such as
Robin should not be missed by our students."
"I'm very passionate
about what I do," Higginbotham said. "They can expect commitment and a
safe environment for them to work. I'm really looking forward to being
there and creating a great experience for everyone to enjoy."
Auditions
for "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" willbe held at 6 p.m. Sept. 4 on
campus. Auditions are open to students, faculty and staff as well as to
Huntington community members. For more information regarding upcoming
auditions, please visit www.huntington.edu/theatre.
Tickets are currently on sale for "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at the Merillat Centre for the Arts Box Office. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, $9 for HU faculty and staff and $5 for HU students.
The Box Office is open from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays (after Aug. 26).
For information or reservations, call the Box Office at 260-359-4261.