Pippin

Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson

There will be plenty of “magic to do just for you” as State University Theatre kicks off its 2009-2010 season with Pippin, Stephen Schwartz’s dazzling musical hit that garnered five Tony Awards in 1973. Schwartz (Wicked and Godspell), along with legendary Bob Fosse, created one of Broadway’s most unique and memorable works in telling the story of Pippen, the son of King Charlemagne who, born under the giant shadow of his father, seeks to make something “extraordinary” of his life. As Pippen explores the temptations, confusions and complications of his “modern” medieval world, he ultimately discovers the time-honored values that are to be found in the simple pleasures of home and family. A rich score brimming with beautiful and memorable melodies ranging from inspirational to broadly comedic, and encompassing a wide range of musical styles including rock, jazz, country and Latin, Pippin’s tongue-in-cheek story is told by a troupe of Commedia dell’ Arte players that is sure to appeal to the young at heart. Both funny and poignant, this delightful Broadway classic is directed by Ray Peterson.

Doner Auditorium

October 28-31, 7:30pm

Matinees: October 31 and November 1, 2:00pm

 

Inherit the Wind

by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee

In observance of the National Year of Science, State University Theatre presents Inherit the Wind, a powerful play that has as its genesis the famous Scopes Monkey trial where a school teacher faced charges of teaching evolution in a public school. Not only was this a landmark case, it gave us one of the most gripping dramas ever written for the American stage. What propels this drama to greatness is that it is not just concerned with the debate over the theories of Darwin; it explores complex human emotions and relationships with a power and force rarely seen in theatre. Although set in 1925, the themes are timeless and just as important today as they were then—as recently proven with several cases of religion and government coming to grips in court. This deeply moving and enlightening play will be directed by J.D. Ackman.

Doner Auditorium

December 2-5, 7:30pm

Matinee: December 6, 2:00pm

 

 

Proof

by David Auburn

Winner of both the 200l Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play, David Auburn’s Proof is a thought-provoking, smart, and compelling story of a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, Catherine must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness—or genius—will she inherit? J.D. Ackman directs this critically-acclaimed script.

“An exhilarating and assured new play . . . one that is as accessible and compelling as a detective story.” The New York Times

“A wonderfully funny . . . ambitiously constructive work.” Variety

 

Fishback Studio Theatre, Performing Arts Center

February 17-20; 24-27, 7:30pm

Matinee: February 21, 2:00pm

 

The Wind in the Willows

by Liz Peterson
Adapted from the book by Kenneth Grahame

It’s spring in the English countryside. Badger and friends are looking to another peaceful summer. Toad, on the other hand, is looking for something new and finds it in the newfangled motorcar. Join Badger, Mole, Toad, and the sneaky Weasels in a raucous musical comedy that is sure to be fun for the whole family. This beloved story comes alive in Liz Peterson’s exciting and contemporary musical adaptation of the classic children’s novel. The show will be staged under the artful direction of Chris Guyotte.

“Now I have read it and reread it, and have come to accept the characters as old friends.”
Theodore Roosevelt

Doner Auditorium

April 21-24, 7:30pm

Matinee: April 25, 2:00pm