OU's University Theatre is gearing up for their 2014-2015 season, and with cast lists posted this weekend, actors and musicians alike have cracked open their scripts to get down to business. No matter what your taste in entertainment — be it horror, romance or an exploration of the human condition — there is something for everyone this fall.
What: “Carrie”
When: Sept. 19-21, 26-28
Where: Weitzenhoffer Theatre
Rating: R
The season kicks off with, believe it or not, a horror musical. Based on the book by Stephen King, “Carrie the Musical” tells the story of Carrie, a bullied teen who discovers she has kinetic powers and takes revenge on her tormentors. The pop-rock musical features music written by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford, the Academy Award-winning duo who wrote the title song for the 1980 movie “Fame.”
The production is staged by the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre under the artistic direction of Paul Christman, with guest director Jonathan Beck Reed. Reed, an Oklahoma City native, is a Broadway veteran with over 35 years experience as an actor, director and teacher. He is the co-owner of Dance Unlimited Performing Arts Studio and Spotlight Acting Academy.
What: “La Finta Giardiniera"
When: Oct. 2-5
Where: Reynolds Performing Arts Center
Rating: G
The second show of the season is an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart written when he was only 18 years old. The story is a charming mix of comedy, drama and intrigue with a plot too involved to describe here, but worth viewing nonetheless. The production is staged by the OU School of Music Opera Theatre cast and the OU Symphony Orchestra, directed by Jonathan Shames, Conductor and Artistic Director; William Ferrara, Stage Director; and Larry Mallett, Director of the School of Music.
What: “Contemporary Dance Oklahoma"
When: Oct. 24-26, Oct. 31-Nov. 2
Where: Reynolds Performing Arts Center
Rating: PG-13
The third production is “Contemporary Dance Oklahoma,” showcasing the choreography of Austin Hartel, Derrick Minter and José Limón. Hartel is an associate professor of dance at OU and the artistic director of Hartel Dance Group based in Oklahoma. The production is directed by Mary Margaret Holt, School of Dance Artistic Director.
What: “Little Women"
When: Nov. 14-16, 20-23
Where: Reynolds Performing Arts Center
Rating: G
The final production of the fall season is “Little Women,” a play adapted by Marisha Chamberlain, known for her play “Scheherazade," from the book by Louisa May Alcott. The show tells the beloved coming-of-age story of sisters Meg, Beth, Amy and Jo as presented by Director Judith Midyett Pender and Tom Huston Orr, artistic director of the Helmerich School of Drama.
Season subscriptions for the 2014-2015 University Theatre season are on sale until Sept. 14. Individual performance tickets are on sale beginning Sept. 2 at the OU Fine Arts Box Office in the Catlett Music Center, by phone at (405) 325-4101 or online.
