The Lycoming College Theatre Department announces its mainstage production schedule for 2013-14. The season begins Oct. 2 and continues through April 12, 2014, with five shows all taking place in the Mary L. Welch Theatre.
The season will begin with a duo of plays known as the “An Absurd Pair,” which includes “Fire in the Basement” by Pavel Kohout and “Out at Sea” by Slawomir Mrozek. These absurdist comedies from Eastern Europe celebrate the ridiculous while scrutinizing the art of manipulation.
“Fire in the Basement” is set in the modest apartment of a newlywed couple that find themselves invaded by four firefighters who quickly monopolize their lives. In “Out at Sea,” three people stranded on a raft confront the ultimate dilemma as their supplies dwindle: whom to eat first? Both plays share a savage humor and sometimes insane intensity as they satirize the very nature of power and its ability to corrupt. Directed by Biliana Stoytcheva-Horissian, Ph.D., Lycoming theatre professor, the plays feature adult situations and are recommended for mature audiences.
Upcoming mainstage performances also include:
- “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Nov. 20-23. Since its premiere in 1895, Oscar Wilde’s hilarious send-up of England’s Victorian culture and courtship rituals has earned its status as a comic masterpiece. Two dashing young bachelors, Jack and Algernon, woo their respective beloveds by pretending their name is Earnest. This production is recommended for all audiences. Directed by Mary Ethel Schmidt, professional guest artist.
- “Let It Be Art! Harold Clurman’s Life of Passion,” Feb. 13-15, 2014. In this bold and effervescent solo performance, professional guest artist Ronald Rand embodies Harold Clurman, the writer, director and critic whose influence on the American theatre reverberates into the 21st century. This performance features adult situations and is recommended for mature audiences. Directed by Gregory Abels.
- “The Cradle Will Rock,” April 9-12, 2014. Marc Blitzstein’s thoroughly American musical is set in Steeltown, U.S.A., where local tycoon Mr. Mister owns the steel factory and everything and everyone else. It’s 1937, and the brash young Larry Foreman wants to organize a steelworkers’ union, while Mr. Mister is determined to thwart Larry’s plan by turning the whole town against him. This blistering critique of big business is the first American musical that champions the plight of the little guy. This musical features adult situations and is recommended for mature audiences. Directed by N.J. Stanley, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of theatre, with the musical direction by guest artist Gary Boerckel, professor emeritus and former chair of music at Lycoming.
“We’re offering a season that celebrates all kinds of comedy,” Stanley said. “These plays exploit the laugh factor by using witty language, clever situations, slapstick humor and/or outrageous characters in a variety of different theatrical styles.”
All performances are at 8 p.m. and tickets are free for Lycoming students, faculty and staff. Public ticket prices for all shows other than the musical are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors.
Public ticket prices for “The Cradle Will Rock” are $12 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.
One night of each production, Parkhurst, Lycoming’s food service provider, will offer a pre-show dinner for theatre patrons in the Jane Schultz Room on campus. Tickets for dinner and a show are $18 per person. Dinner will be offered on the following Fridays: Oct. 4, Nov. 22, Feb. 14 and April 11. Advanced reservations are required and the menu varies for each show.
Reservations may be made by calling the Box Office at 570-321-4048. The Box Office opens 10 days prior to the opening night of each production and remains open throughout the show’s run.
More information is available at http://www.lycoming.edu/theatre/schedule.aspx.
Lycoming College is a four-year, residential liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. Its rigorous academic program, vibrant residential community and supportive faculty foster successful student outcomes. Lycoming offers 36 academic majors and is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1812 and located near the banks of the Susquehanna River in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation. For more information, visit www.lycoming.edu.