Once in a while, college theatre students have an opportunity to perform in a heavyweight Shakespearean classic. But rarely do they have the chance to be directed by a regional icon of the genre and in a performance of what’s arguably regarded as a touchstone for English literature. For the past four weeks, Chapman
The afterlife of The Mikado — Gilbert and Sullivan’s famed operetta of 1885 — is a fascinating one. The original, of course, was vastly successful — the production at London’s Savoy Theatre ran for 672 performances, and the operetta went on to be produced by at least 150 opera companies throughout Europe and the United States
During the 2014 spring term, award-winning playwright José Cruz González and South Coast Repertory’s Project Engagement Director Sara Guerrero visited Dr. Theresa Dudeck’s Theatre for Social Change class to talk with students and invited faculty about their ambitious Dialogue/Diálogos project underway with the Santa Ana Community. This community-based, two-year theatre project gathered the stories and
Inspired by the infamous 1927 murder trial of spouse killer Ruth Snyder, Machinal is the powerful tale of one woman’s isolation in a life that’s been entirely decided for her. Snyder is trapped first in a dead-end job, then forced to marry her boss and have a baby with him. But when she begins to discover her
The Department of Theatre presents A Night of Noh Theatre in the Waltmar Theatre, February 13-15, 20-22, conceived and directed by associate professor Tamiko Washington. The beauty of movement comes to life in this innovative and original adaptation of Japanese Noh Theatre, transformed on the stage using Tadashi Suzuki’s captivating movement style. If you have
From October 24 to November 9, the Department of Theatre will present Spring Awakening , music by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s 1891 expressionist dramatic masterpiece about teenage self-discovery. The musical explores
In order to both save money and be sustainable in our practices, last year the Department of Theatre decided to create a basic box set that would serve two different shows. Jeanine Ringer, our guest scenic designer, was tasked with developing a set that would be the same for both Stage Door, performed last spring,
The Big Band Bubbly Brunch will feature Chapman’s newest and brightest stars: our very own Big Band, under the direction of Albert Alva. A cross between Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr., this ensemble will leave you wanting more. The Big Band Bubbly Brunch is October 6 in the Attallah Piazza and is
This fall, the Department of Theatre will present Present Laughter, a 1939 Noel Coward comedy classic featuring sparkling dialogue and larger-than-life characters. At the helm of the production will be Andrew Barnicle, who served as artistic director of The Laguna Playhouse from 1991 through 2010, producing over 100 shows and directing over 40 of them, including
Thirteen theatre performance majors wrapping up their degree requirements will show their best work and formally launch their professional careers as they take the stage Thursday, May 2, at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills, CA. The BFA Showcase is akin to a coming-out party for the Department of Theatre’s graduating thespians. They’ll perform