School of Theatre Opens Season with "The Philadelphia Story" Sept. 25

"The Philadelphia Story" by playwright Phillip Barry, a retro-romantic comedy that deals with serious issues, will open the School of Theatre season this month at Illinois State University's Center for the Performing Arts Theatre.  It will be followed in late October by Stephen Dietz's "Dracula."  In February, Theatre will present "The Rover" by Aphra Ben, and in April the musical-theatre production will be "Evita" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

As always, each semester's calendar will close with a University Dance Theatre concert featuring choreography by student, faculty and guest artists.

Tickets - $15 for the general public and $10 for students and senior citizens - can be purchased at the CPA box office from 11 to 5 p.m. weekdays, by calling (309) 438-2535 or on line at www.ticketmaster.com/venue/57369/

The inspiration for the 1940 motion picture of the same name (starring Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart), "The Philadelphia Story" will be presented in the Center for the Performing Arts Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 to 27, plus both 2 and 7:30 p.m. performances on Sept. 28.

"Dracula" is a wicked and theatrical adaptation that restores the suspense and seduction of the classic Bram Stoker Gothic novel about Count Dracula and his bloodthirsty quest for power.  It will be presented Oct. 24, 25, 28-31 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m.  There will be a matinee at 2 p.m. on Oct. 26.

The Nov. 19, 20 and 21 Fall Dance Concert will be accompanied by the ISU Chamber Orchestra conducted by Glenn Block.  The University Dance Theatre, which is directed by Laurie Merriman, will present original choreography by Illinois State's resident choreographers and guest artists.  Performances each night begin at 7:30 p.m.

Aphra Behn's "The Rover" is a restoration comedy written by one of the first female playwrights.  The play follows amorous youths on their quest for love and passion during Carnivale.  It will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 and 27, both at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, and at 2 p.m. on March 1. 

"Evita" is an award-winning musical based on the life of political icon and pop culture celebrity Eva Peron.  With music by Webber and lyrics by Rice, "Evita" tells the story of a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved and controversial women in her country's history.  The production will be April 3, 4 and 7 to 11 at 7:30 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. April 5 matinee.

The Spring Dance Concert, at 7:30 p.m. April 30 and May 1 and 2 , and 7:30 p.m. on May 2, will feature student dancers. 

This year's Westhoff Theatre series will include "4:48 Psychosis" by Sarah Kane at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10, 11 and 14 to 18, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 12; "Yerma" by  Frederico Garcia Lorca at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 to 5 and at both 2  and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6; "Breath,Boom" by Kia Corthron, in collaboration with Crossroads Theatre, Feb. 20, 21 and 24 to 28 at 7:30 p.m. plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 22; and "Our Country's Good" by Timberlake Wertenbakers at 7:30 p.m. April 3, 4 and 7 to 11, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on April 5.

Tickets to Westhoff are $10 for the general public and $8 for students and senior citizens.

Each semester will feature one Shakespearean play in the Free Will Series. General admission is $3.  "A Winter's Tale" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 to 5 and at both 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6.  "Julius Caesar" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. April 22 to 25 and at 2 p.m. on April 26.