Lipscomb Theatre announces joint productions with Circle Players for new season
Janel Shoun-Smith |
The Lipscomb University Theatre announced this week that the 2013-14 season will include two world-famous productions jointly produced with Nashville’s oldest community theater, Circle Players.
The joint productions by Circle and Lipscomb are the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Rabbit Hole,” to be staged in the University Theatre in August, and the blockbuster musical “Shrek,” to be performed in Collins Alumni Auditorium in March 2014.
These two performances will join Lipscomb Theatre’s staging of the world-famous “Les Misérables,” the award-winning Blackbird Theater’s production of “Man and Superman,” “The Nashville Choreographer’s Canvas,” and “The Five-Minute Film Festival,” Lipscomb’s first ever film festival, in one of the most varied theatrical season tickets in Lipscomb’s history.
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Scenes from Lipscomb Theatre's 2012-13 season. |
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| Pajama Game |
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| Twelfth Night |
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| James and the Giant Peach |
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| A Servant of Two Masters |
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| Blackbird Theater's production of Oleanna |
- Rabbit Hole
- The Nashville Choreographer's Canvas
- Les Misérables
- Man and Superman
- Shrek
- The Five-MInute Film Festival
“Our theme this year is ‘aligning the stars’ because we are partnering with so many outstanding Nashville theater and entertainment organizations to bring much more diversity in our performances than we have ever had before,” said Mike Fernandez, chair of the Lipscomb theatre department. “We have truly aligned the stars of Nashville to bring unique theater, dance, music and film that can’t be seen anywhere else to local audiences.”
“We’re honored and excited to be invited to partner with Lipscomb Theatre Department for two shows this season," said LaTonya Turner, immediate past president of Circle’s board. "Mike Fernandez and his team have a bold vision for the theatre program that is very compatible with Circle's recent objectives-- especially the practice of expanding and enhancing our mission through community partnerships.
“Circle also attracts very talented artists and directors who have a spirit of service and want to help support and develop live theater in our community,” she said.
In addition to Circle Players, other artist groups partnering with Lipscomb this year include the critically acclaimed local theater company Blackbird Theater, Orchesis Dance Company and Generation Tap and Group Theatre Too from New York City. Lipscomb’s “Les Misérables” production will feature Broadway star Chuck Wagner as Jean Valjean, and the Lipscomb film festival will feature works by the university’s first graduate students in film and creative media.
The Blackbird Theater, which has rapidly become known as the place to go in Nashville for innovative theater, is Lipscomb’s artist-in-residence theater company. Its January production of “Man and Superman” directed by Lipscomb’s Beki Baker, will be included within Lipscomb’s season ticket package this year.
In addition to providing local audiences with top-quality, unique experiences, the 2013-14 season will provide theater students with opportunities to gain first-hand experience at every level of the theater ladder, Fernandez said.
“Our students are now able to participate in university productions; community productions with Circle, a long-standing, top-quality theater company; semi-professional productions with Blackbird; and professional productions through an internships,” he said. “This is the epitome of what we want to accomplish with our theater students.”
Season tickets for all six events will go on sale for $67.50 on Friday, July 19, at the Lipscomb University box office, 615-966-7077. For online ordering, go to www.lipscomb.edu/theatre (a link to order season tickets will be up as of July 19).
Lipscomb Theatre is also offering a sampler package, allowing customers to select tickets to any three shows in the season for $30. Season tickets are offered for K-12 teachers and university professors in Middle Tennessee for $45.
For dates and the prices of each individual show included in the Lipscomb University Theatre 2013-14 season ticket, see below:
Rabbit Hole
Joint Production with Circle Players
August 16-17, 22-24, 29-31 at 7:30 p.m.; August 18 and 25 at 3 p.m.
Price: $15 individuals, $10 university faculty and staff, and $5 students
In "Rabbit Hole," the winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. Audiences may recognize this play which was adapted into a 2010 movie which earned Nicole Kidman an Oscar® nomination for her portrayal of Becca
This play is suitable for mature audiences..
The Nashville Choreographer’s Canvas
Held during HerdComing 2013
October 4-5 at 7:30 p.m.; October 6 at 3 p.m.
Price: $15 individuals, $10 university faculty and staff, and $5 students
Lipscomb Theatre and New York City’s Group Theatre Too present "The Nashville Choreographer's Canvas," an evening of choreography from Nashville’s emerging and established choreographers including Orchesis Dance Company and special guest from Manhattan, Generation Tap. The evening is curated by Dr. Peter Fields and award-winning choreographer Justin Boccitto. See new original and traditional styles of choreography including tap, ballet, theatre dance, jazz, hip-hop, modern, aerial dance and more.
This production is suitable for all audiences.
Les Misérables
November 6-9 at 7:30 p.m.
Price: $15 individuals, $10 university faculty and staff, and $5 students
This international smash-hit may be the most popular musical in the world. In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean breaks his parole, after 19 years in prison, in hopes of starting a new life. He initiates a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways.
Click here to see more on Lipscomb's production of "Les Misérables."
Click here to see more on "Les Misérables" star Chuck Wagner.
This play is suitable for mature audiences.
Man and Superman
Blackbird Theater
Jan. 24-25 and 28, Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 at 2:30 p.m.
Price: TBA
A forceful comedy of ideas, mixing satire with profound philosophical vision, George Bernard Shaw’s "Man and Superman" follows the romantic interplay of political firebrand and confirmed bachelor jack Tanner and Ann Whitfield, the charming and scheming woman who intends to marry him. It’s a romantic comedy told on an epic scale, moving from a comedy of manners in an Edwardian manor to a dramatic debate set in hell.
Shrek: The Musical
Joint Production with Circle Players
March 6-8, 13 and 14-15 at 7:30 p.m.; March 9 at 3:30 p.m.
Price: $15 individuals, $10 university faculty and staff, and $5 students
Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film that started it all, "Shrek" brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage. Full of all-new songs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, "Shrek: The Musical" is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone!
This play is suitable for all audiences.
The Five-Minute Film Festival
April 11-13 at 7:30 p.m.
Price: $15 individuals, $10 university faculty and staff, and $5 students
For the first time in Lipscomb University’s history we will have a film festival, presented by the inaugural graduate film students. Students will submit various genres of video content, and a panel of film industry professionals will review the submissions and pick outstanding videos from categories which include music videos, commercials, short narrative and mini-documentary.