The University of Central Arkansas Theatre has announced its line-up of productions for the 2012-2013 season. The season opens with Art by Jasmina Reza with translation by Christopher Hampton. This comedy raises the question of “What is Art” when Serge buys a large, expensive, completely white painting. His friends are horrified and his relationships begin to suffer. A Tony-award winner for Best Play, the Broadway cast featured Alan Alda, Victor Garber, and Alfred Molina. The play will run September 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 at 7:30 pm in the Studio Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center on the UCA campus, 201 Donaghey in Conway. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. Due to the configuration of the scenery, no one will be admitted after the play begins. The play is recommended for mature audiences.
The Beaux’ Strategem will take place November 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 pm in the Bridges/Larson Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center. Bawdy humor and spirited dialogue highlight this rollicking romp as two gentlemen search to find wealthy heiresses to regain their fortunes. Madcap comedy ensues when true love gets in the way and their plans go awry.
The Festival of One Act Plays will be performed December 4, 5, and 6 at 7:30 pm in the Bridges/Larson Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center. A popular event on the UCA campus, this series includes 3-4 different plays each evening, produced and directed by the 2013 Directing Class and involving over 50 cast and crew members. Admission is free. Tickets are not required. Doors open at 7:00 pm each evening.
UCA Theatre’s own traveling troupe of players, The Cadron Company, will present The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Anderson, adapted by Liz Parker. This classic story finds the vain Emperor falling for the tailor’s story that his invisible fabric can only be seen by those worthy enough to see it. Not wanting to admit he’s unworthy of this fabulous new fabric, the Emperor dons the outfit he really can’t see. This short, family-friendly production will be presented on February 8, 2013 at 7:30 pm and February 9, 2013 at 10:00 am in the Reynolds Performance Hall. Admission is free. Tickets are not required and seats are not reserved. Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain.
A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur by Tennessee Williams will run February 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22, 2013 at 7:30 pm in the Bridges/Larson Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center. A young schoolteacher has dreams of marrying her boss, but when her hopes are shattered she must find the strength to recover and go on. A touching and probing tale by one of the masters of playwriting.
Spring Awakening, a musical with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik, will be presented April 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 pm in the Bridges/Larson Theatre of the Snow Fine Arts Center. This landmark musical blends morality, sexuality, and rock & roll in a powerful performance as it celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood. Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, the pay is recommended for mature audiences only.
Unless otherwise noted, tickets to all UCA Theatre performances are $10 each and are now on sale. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made through UCA Ticket Central, which handles all UCA ticket sales. Ticket Central is located in the Reynolds Performance Hall, 201 Donaghey in Conway. Box Office hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Reservations can be made by calling 501-450-3265. The general public may also purchase tickets online at www.uca.edu/tickets.
UCA Theatre has been an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) since 1995. It is recognized for its challenging and diverse theatre arts education program. It has consistently received honors and awards for its productions through the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). UCA Theatre has received the Directors’ Choice Award or the Critic’s Choice Award from the state KCACTF festival in eleven of the last fifteen years and was invited to perform at the KCACTF Region VI festival in 2010, the fourth such invitation in the past several years. Faculty, professional staff, and theatre students have also been honored for excellence in acting, directing, designing, and stage managing. The program has had three students win the Region VI Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and has had one national winner of the competition.
Further information regarding UCA Theatre can be obtained online at www.uca.edu/theatre or by calling 501-450-5092.
