By Michelle Hines, University Relations
The upcoming season at UNCG Theatre will span the dramatic spectrum from William Shakespeare’s ghostly “Macbeth” to the witty repartee of Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” and the whimsy of “Seussical.” Season tickets are now available.
All UNCG Theatre shows will take place in Taylor Theatre on campus. The 2006-07 line-up includes:
• “Macbeth” – Sept. 27-Oct. 5. Shakespeare's “Macbeth” is the tragic story of how Scotland's greatest hero becomes its bloodiest threat. A warrior-poet who must struggle with fate and his own ambition, Macbeth betrays and murders his king, rending the fabric of his society and damning himself and his wife, who is an accomplice in the murder. Having achieved power through assassination, he finds that in order to hold on to it, he must engage in an escalating cycle of violence, betrayal and murder. His story is both ancient and as fresh as tonight's CNN Headline News.
• “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” – Oct. 18-22. This award-winning “choreo-poem” celebrates the passion of black women through story, dance, and music, creating vibrant snapshots of seven women as they overcome oppression.
• “Seussical” – Nov.10-19. Join 14 classic Dr. Seuss characters merging together in one hilarious musical tale. When chaos erupts in the Jungle of Nool, it will take the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, and a gaggle of your favorite characters to bring harmony back to the world. As each story unfolds you will marvel at how relevant and profound Seuss’s subtle themes are, making this musical appealing to all ages.
• “11th Annual “Flannel Shorts” – Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Enjoy the energetic and creative work of student playwrights as the sophomore BFA acting students perform in original 10-minute plays. Will contain adult language.
• “You Can’t Take It With You” – Feb. 16-26. The legendary writing team of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart fills the stage with charming chaos from start to finish. “You Can’t Take It With You” has clearly influenced American comedy. The formula originated by Kaufman and Hart – a loveable family getting into scrapes, overcoming obstacles, and enduring mismatched in-laws – has been adopted as a format by most of today’s television situation comedies. Its message about love, following one’s dreams, and acceptance are timeless.
• “Holy Ghosts” – March 28-31. This journey about shelter, love and faith with characters crafted from the hills of southern Appalachia provides a funny, dramatic and inspirational story as Nancy Shedmen comes to a rural, fundamentalist church looking for shelter and finds her life.
• “Private Lives” – April 11-14, 25 and 28.Noel Coward’s classic comedy of bad manners, dry humor and quicksilver sparring that is both daringly hilarious and elegantly sexy. Two divorcees rekindle their passion while on honeymoons with their new spouses.
• “Our Lady of 121st Street” – April 18-22, 26 and 29. At the Ortiz Funeral Home, a community comes to pay their last respects to Sister Rose, only to discover that her body has been stolen. Emotions are running high, tensions are at the breaking point, and people are trying to deal with their feelings for Sister Rose – as well as each other – as best they can.
In addition, “Jack and the Wonder Beans,” a North Carolina Theatre for Young People production, starts touring Feb. 1. “Jack” is a traveling Appalachian version of the classic tale “Jack and the Beanstalk.”
Special rates are available for season ticket holders, Angel benefactors, senior citizens and students. For inquiries about season tickets and subscriptions, call 336-334-5372. Additional information is also available by logging on to www.uncg.edu/the.
