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University Theatre announces 2008-09 season

April 18, 2008

KALAMAZOO--University Theatre at Western Michigan University will present Pulitzer Prize-winning dramas, side-splitting comedies and new musicals in its upcoming 102nd season.

Subscription packages for the 2008-09 theatre season are on sale now at up to 35 percent off regular ticket prices. Individual tickets are $20, $15 for senior citizens and WMU employees, and $5 for students. They are available by calling (269) 387-6222, online at wmich.edu/theatre, or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex Ticket Office, Miller Auditorium Ticket Office, or Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo. Groups should call (800) 228-9858 for special rates.

University Theatre's fall 2008 program

"How I Learned to Drive," by Paula Vogel, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 25-27 and Oct. 2-4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in WMU's York Arena Theatre. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama explores the complex relationship between a young girl and her uncle. Guest artist Stephanie Sandberg will direct this surprising story of survival and forgiveness.

"Moon Over Buffalo," by Ken Ludwig, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 9-11 and Oct. 16-18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, in WMU's Shaw Theatre. Miscommunication provides an evening of comic invention in this production, which celebrates the turmoil and zaniness of life on stage.

"Our Lady of 121st Street," by Stephen Adly Guirgis, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, in WMU's Williams Theatre. In this dark comedy, a beloved nun's body is stolen from a funeral, bringing a diverse cast of characters together to meditate on life, death and love.

"West Side Story," by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 20-22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, in WMU's Shaw Theatre. The first musical of the season, "West Side Story" is a timeless story of prejudice and impossible love.

"Late Night Broadway" will be performed at 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 4-6, in WMU's Williams Theatre. This Broadway cabaret will feature the talents of WMU students alongside a visiting Broadway guest. A cash bar will be available.

University Theatre's spring 2009 program

"Picnic," by William Inge, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 5-7 and Feb. 12-14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in WMU's Shaw Theatre. A shocking liaison ensues when a handsome stranger strolls into a small Kansas town the day of the Labor Day picnic in this Pulitzer Prize-winning examination of yearning, regret and risk.

Seneca's "Oedipus," adapted by Ted Hughes, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 19-21 and Feb. 26-28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, in WMU's William's Theatre. Reset in its original African context, this searing contemporary translation by poet Ted Hughes electrifies the classic myth.

"Donkey Show," by Randy Weiner, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 19-21 and March 26-28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29, in WMU's York Arena Theatre. Set in a disco, this irreverent adaptation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" celebrates our deep love of great literature and our desire to let loose.

"Mother Courage and Her Children," by Bertolt Brecht, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 26-28 and April 2-4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5, in WMU's Shaw Theatre. This chilling condemnation of war follows the wily Mother Courage as she scrambles to profit from war that threatens her children. This sobering drama uses technology to examine media's influence on how we experience war.

Media contact: Jason Nuzzo, (269) 387-3227, jason.a.nuzzo@wmich.edu

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