2013-14 Purdue Theatre to take historical look at human themes
September 16, 2013
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The 2013-14 Purdue Theatre season begins Sept. 20 and ends April 26. (Photo provided) |
The 2013-14 Purdue Theatre season will tell lively stories about love, relationships, and the power of human attraction set against the backdrops of fascinating historical settings.
The season includes plays that will appeal to everyone from children to adults interested in mature themes, says Joel Ebarb, chair and associate professor in the Department of Theatre. This year, the plays are labeled with ratings based on those used by the Motion Picture Association of America.
"Purdue Theatre is proud to present a truly exciting season that chronicles the emotional aspects of the human condition," Ebarb says.
"In these plays, love, passion and courage stand alongside fear, anger and hate; they celebrate all the highs and lows of personal relationships. There is truly something for everyone this season at Purdue Theatre."
Three of the shows will be performed at Nancy T. Hansen Theatre. "Anna in the Tropics" will be staged in Carole and Gordon Mallett Theatre. Both theatres are in Pao Hall.
For the first three plays, ticket costs are general public, $19.50; students, $12.50; seniors age 62 and up, $15.50. For the final production, the musical "Spring Awakening," tickets are general public, $21.50; students, $15.50; seniors age 62 and up, $17.50. Musicals typically are more costly to produce than other plays.
Season ticket packages offering discounted prices are available. Group sales also are available. For tickets, call 49-43933 or 800-914-SHOW [7469]. Tickets may also be purchased at the Loeb Playhouse Box Office in the west lobby of Stewart Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
This year's lineup contains the following productions:
* "Brighton Beach Memoirs," written by well-known American playwright Neil Simon and directed by Richard Stockton Rand, professor of theatre. Simon's semi-autobiographical masterpiece takes viewers into the Jerome home, where they are privy to adolescent fantasies, Depression-era hardships, teenage rebellion and sibling rivalry, all delivered through a comedic lens. The play will be staged Sept. 20-29 in Hansen Theatre. It is rated PG-13 for coming-of-age issues, mature themes and adolescent language. It is recommended for ages 13 and up.
* "Anna in the Tropics," written by Cuban-American playwright Nilo Cruz and winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This poignant and poetic story is set in Florida in 1929 in a Cuban-American cigar factory, where lectors, or readers, are employed to educate and entertain the workers. When a new lector arrives and begins to read aloud from "Anna Karenina," he unwittingly becomes a dynamic catalyst in the lives of his listeners, for whom Tolstoy, the tropics and the American dream prove a volatile combination. The play will be staged Nov. 8-24 in Mallett Theatre. It is rated R for sexual content and adult language and themes. It is recommended for ages 17 and up.
* "Pride and Prejudice," directed by Robert Quinlan, a guest director from Chicago. Based on Jane Austen's timeless novel, this play by Marcus Goodwin features the lovable young ladies of the Bennett household in early 19th-century England, where reputation and marriage can secure -- or destroy -- a woman's happiness. This play will be staged Feb. 21-March 2 in Hansen Theatre. It is rated PG for some mild thematic elements and coming-of-age issues. Parental guidance is suggested.
* "Spring Awakening," with music written by Duncan Sheik and lyrics/book by Steven Sater. It will be directed by Kristine Holtvedt, associate professor of theatre and head of performance. The winner of eight Tony Awards, this play is a modern adaptation of Frank Wedekind's controversial play about the trials, tribulations and exhilaration of adolescence. Set in late 19th-century Germany, the musical tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer turmoil of their awakening sexuality. The play will be staged April 18-26 in Hansen Theatre. It is rated NC-17 for strong sexual content and adult language and themes. It is recommended for mature audiences only.