THE 39 STEP S
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
N O S TAGE AT CU E N E C S D O MAN, C HARLIE BR O G A E R ’ U OW N O Y
THE TAMING OF THE SHRE W
a season of firsts! dear friend of CU theatre, We are excited to bring the Grand Rapids premiere of The 39 Steps to our stage as we begin the 2012-2013 theatre season at Cornerstone University. Our students were able to watch this 2-time Tony® and Drama Desk Award-winning production during a 2011 New York City theatre trip. With only four actors playing more than 150 characters, it’s just plain fun! Another first is the West Michigan premiere of The Drowsy Chaperone. Who doesn’t love a little spectacle? The roaring twenties mixed with a little dry humor…this fun musical within a play is a singing, dancing treat! We will also celebrate the 10 year anniversary of CU theatre’s production of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. These past 10 years have gone by fast, but Charlie Brown and Snoopy remain timeless! This family friendly production has lively characters who sing and dance and engage all ages! Our final first, is Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. It was time to bring back Shakespeare to our stage, so why not choose a production that is new to Cornerstone? A comedy of battling wills…who will get the upper hand? As always, we are committed to bringing you theatre of excellence, performed by students who acknowledge their God and creator as a giver of their gifts. Our theme this year is “Seeking God’s Wisdom and Truth.” We hope to see you for our 2012-2013 theatre season! Jennifer Hunter Director, Producer, and Professor of Theatre
cu create Majoring in theatre at Cornerstone University Through the Division of Communication & Media, students can earn a bachelor of arts in theatre with an emphasis in music theatre or theatre arts.
music theatre emphasis This emphasis engages students in a theatre core, private voice lessons, music theatre workshops and dance classes in ballet, jazz, tap and modern styles.
theatre arts emphasis The theatre arts emphasis features internships, acting and directing opportunities and a generalist approach to theatre. For more information about earning a degree in theatre at Cornerstone University, or to experience a personal campus visit, contact the Admissions Office at: 800.787.9778 or www.cornerstone.edu. Pictured: Leah Hoffman in CU theatre’s 2012 production of “A Little Princess.�
2011-2012 season in review
a look back at productions from our previous season
Sarah Walton and Janessa Slayton in Arsenic and Old Lace, Fall 2011.
Grace Patton, Khari Neal, Joy Beasly and Justin Duff in The 1940s Radio Hour, Fall 2011.
Amber Farnum and Leah Hoffman in A Little Princess, Spring 2012.
Sarah Brown and Bree Derbecker in The Sound of Music, Spring 2012.
grand awards
The Grand Awards take place each fall to honor excellence in the theatre arts. Awards are given for outstanding achievements in acting, directing and technical aspects of Grand Rapids area colleges and community theatres. The event benefits scholarships that are awarded annually to college students pursuing degrees in theatre-related fields. We congratulate these students who were nominated for Grand Awards during the 2010-2011 theatre season: Outstanding Supporting Actress: Lauren Root –White Christmas Outstanding Lead Actor: Shane Hurst – White Christmas Outstanding Supporting Actor: Kyle Juresich – Proof We had a great season last year with Arsenic and Old Lace, The 1940s Radio Hour, A Little Princess, and The Sound of Music and hope to see these shows and actors nominated for 2011-2012!
Adapted by Patrick Barlow • From the novel by John Buchan From the movies of Alfred Hitchcock Licensed by itv global entertainment limited, and an original concept by simon corble & nobby dimon Directed by deb keller
sept. 21*^, 22, 27, 28^, 29 at 7:30 p.m. • sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. tickets: $12 adults, $10 students/seniors Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced who-dunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This 2-time Tony® and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, more than 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance! In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s tail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure! * Indicates complimentary dessert reception following the performance. ^ Indicates “Friday Night Talk Back” following the performance
Music & Lyrics by lisa lambert and greg morrison Book by bob martin and don mckellar Directed by Kathy Gibson
Nov. 16*^, 17, 29, 30^ at 7:30 p.m. • Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 6, 7^, 8 at 7:30 p.m. • Dec. 2, 9 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $14 adults, $12 students/seniors A rare combination of unprecedented originality and blinding talent, The Drowsy Chaperone is a parody of American musical comedy of the 1920s that boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. If you’ve ever sat in a dark theatre and thought, “Please let it be good,” this is the show for you!” It all begins when a die-hard musical-theatre fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life, dancing and singing in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love. * Indicates complimentary dessert reception following the performance. ^ Indicates “Friday Night Talk Back” following the performance.
Based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by charles m. schultz Book, music & lyrics by clark gesner Additional dialogue by Michael Mayer Additional music by andrew lippa Directed by tom kaechele
Feb. 15*^, 16, 21, 22^, 23 at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16, 17, 23, 24 at 2:30 p.m. School matinee Friday Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets: $14 adults, $12 students/seniors The round headed kid returns to CU theatre after a 10 year hiatus! Based on the famous comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schultz, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown is a heartwarming, fun-loving musical that the whole family will enjoy! It’s a typically challenging day in the life of Charlie Brown, from trying to get his kite to fly to trying to find the nerve to talk to that cute little red-haired girl. Meanwhile, Charlie’s friends – and even his dog, Snoopy – face challenges of their own in their pursuit of that fleeting thing called happiness. * Indicates complimentary dessert reception following the performance. ^ Indicates “Friday Night Talk Back” following the performance.
By William Shakespeare Adapted by Jennifer Hunter Directed by Pat Cook and Jerry Morrison
April 12*^, 13, 18, 19^, 20 at 7:30 p.m. • April 14, 21 at 2:30 p.m. School matinee Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m. Tickets: $12 adults, $10 student/seniors “A woman moved is like a fountain troubled.” – Act V, Scene II Shakespeare depicts a rough world where everyone is out for themselves – scheming, deceiving and hiding beneath disguises. Forced to marry a brash young gold-digger so that her sweeter, younger sister may marry for love, the temperamental Katherine proves to be more than Petruchio bargained for. The Taming of the Shrew is a hilarious and subtle tale of determination: two absurdly stubborn and whip-smart people lock horns because they are both bent on achieving satisfaction on their own terms. * Indicates complimentary dessert reception following the performance. ^ Indicates “Friday Night Talk Back” following the performance.
2 stages productions nd
directed and produced by CU theatre students and alumni Following the idea of “firsts,” this season will highlight two senior students who have been selected to direct full-length shows in the newly named “Second Stages” productions. The playing space will feature seating on the stage for an up close and personal vantage point of the action.
The 25th annual putnam county spelling bee music & lyrics by William Finn • Book by Rachel Sheinkin • directed by shane hurst
Oct. 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m. • Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a liftetime.
that darn plot by david belke • directed by paige bourne
March 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m. • March 17 at 2:30 p.m. One of Canada’s greatest playwrights is at the end of his rope. In order to fulfill his contract to his artistic director and old friend, he has to create a play in one night or lose everything. Hilarious and heartfelt, That Darn Plot is a comedy about play-writing, rehearsals, rewriting and rehabilitating reality as well as a sympathetic look at a creative writer who is unable to connect with the people around him, including his only child.
19th annual beneath the willows produced by Amy Groen (CU ’10)
April 23 at 7 p.m. Be sure to drop by the pond next to the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary building for this annual celebration of theatre “beneath the willows.” This event is offered to the public free of charge. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a variety of scenes directed by CU theatre students and alumni.
Special Events & Promotions
New opportunities for you to connect with CU Theatre!
events Dessert receptions following opening night performances of each miainstage production Join your fellow patrons for a post-show dessert! A great opportunity to interact with the cast and production staff of our shows as we celebrate each opening night!
Alumni VIP Receptions “The 39 Steps” – Sept. 28 “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Nov. 16 “You’re A Good Man, Charlie brown” – Feb. 22 “The Taming of the Shrew” – April 19 CU and GRTS alumni are invited to spend intermission like a VIP with Alumni Relations as we celebrate the theatre department! Come to connect with other alumni, mingle with your alumni relations staff and enjoy some refreshments that take their cues from each individual show!
Friday Night Talk Back following friday evening performances of each mainstage production Interested in what goes on behind-the-scenes of our shows? Our “Friday Night Talk Backs” will give you insider information as our directors, cast and crew answer your questions about the show.
school matinee performances You’re A good Man, Charlie Brown • Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. The Taming of the Shrew • April 19 at 10 a.m. Attention English and theatre teachers! CU theatre invites your students to an exciting educational opportunity through live theatre. Engage your students with a collaborative study guides introducing You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and The Taming of the Shrew, followed by live performances! The cost for these event is only $5 per person. For more information or to register, call 616.254.1642 or email mary.poling@cornerstone.edu.
promotions Thursday Special Get “CU Theatre Fan” coupons each Thursday on Facebook and Twitter! Like “Cornerstone University Theatre” on Facebook or follow “TheatreatCU” on Twitter for discount coupons each Thursday morning. These coupons are exclusive to our Thursday evening performances.
early bird special 20% savings for opening weekend tickets! Be among the first to see our productions and enjoy a discount on your tickets. This special discount is applicable only for tickets to opening weekend performances. You’ll need to act fast – our “Early Bird Specials” are only available for a limited time prior to each performance! Early Bird Deadlines: • “The 39 Steps” – Sept. 10, 2012 • “The Drowsy Chaperone” – Nov. 5, 2012 • “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” – Feb. 4, 2013 • “The Taming of the Shrew” – April 1, 2013
Holiday Gift Pack Treat your family and friends to a gift of CU THeatre CU theatre makes a great gift for your family or friends! “Holiday Gift Packs” are available for $20 each and include two tickets and a voucher for concessions at the show! Choose from either The Drowsy Chaperone or You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
family Four-Pack Applicable to matinee performances of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” Ask for the “Family Four-Pack” when purchasing tickets to a matinee performance of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown! This package includes four tickets to the show and a voucher for one large pizza.
invest in cu theatre generous donations from our patrons help to offset the cost of our productions. All gifts are tax deductible.
advertise with us Including your ad in our program is a great way for us to raise money and for our audience to become aware of the products or services you provide. If your company or organization is interested in advertising in our programs, please contact Mary Poling in the Division of Communication and Media at 616.949.5300, ext. 1140.
wall of wishes Production needs for shows vary from the exciting (lighting equipment...ooh! aah!) to the mundane (brooms and dustpans...great for keeping our stage clean!). We’ve created a “wall of wishes” with envelopes for the needs of CU Theatre, located in the lobby during our productions. Just take an envelope with the need and cost described on the front and mail it in. We’ll be sure to give you a big “THANK YOU” in our theatre programs for the items you donate.
Time, Talents & Encouragement Our theatre students are attending class full-time, spending hours preparing for productions, investing in the community, their churches and elsewhere on the university campus, and many hold part-time jobs as well. Simply dropping a note to let our students know how much you enjoyed a recent production, offering prayer support or even your favorite home-baked treats are of great encouragement to our students. To find out how you can best encourage our students, contact Mary Poling in the Division of Communication and Media at 616.949.5300, ext. 1140.
cu theatre staff producing, Direction & academics
Guest Directors
Set Design
Jennifer Hunter Professor of Theatre
Tom Kaechele
Jacquelyn Soule
Costumes
Kathy Gibson
Patricia Cook
Jerry Morrison
Nancie Smith Costume Designer
Deb Keller Fight Choreography Adjunct
Carol Anderson Costume Rental Assistant
Guest Music Direction
Technical Considerations
Randall Wm. Burghart
Dave Weaver Special Events Technical Director
Michael Sobie
Catie Marlett-Dreher Guest Lighting Designer
Torrey Thomas Dance Adjunct
Choreography
Randall Wm. Burghart
Advertising & Ticket Sales
Mary Poling Promotions Coordinator, Administrative Assistant Caroline Cahoon Graphic Design, Marketing & Communications Art Director Curtis Monaghan Ticket Sales Coordinator Collin Olsson Promotions Assistant
House Management Melissa Baker
ticket information order your tickets online at www.cornerstone.edu/theatre!
season memberships
full season memberships: $43 adults • $37 students/seniors Enjoy all four mainstage productions (two plays and two musicals) when you become a season member! Season Members have the advantage and flexibility to use your four tickets anyway you choose. See all four productions or use all four of your tickets for one event. It’s up to you!
mini season memberships: $36 adults • $30 students/seniors Enjoy three mainstage productions (two plays and one musical) when you become a mini season member! Mini season members have the advantage and flexibility to use the three tickets anyway they choose. See three of the four productions, or use all three of your tickets for one event. It’s up to you!
benefits: • Save over 10 percent off regular ticket prices! • Advanced reservations to the shows of your choice! • Premium seating – enjoy the best seats in the house!
Last day to become a season member: Dec. 9, 2012 (all ticket sales are final. no refunds or exchanges)
group tickets
15% discount for groups of 10 or more! Enjoy a performance with a group from your family, business, church or friends.When ordering tickets online at www.cornerstone.edu/theatre, groups of 10 or more receive an automatic 15 percent discount! For more information, contact our Ticket Sales Coordinator at 616.516.0000 or email theatre.tickets@cornerstone.edu.
plays:
individual tickets
$12 adults • $10 students/Seniors
musicals: $14 adults • $12 students/seniors Individual tickets may be purchased online at www.cornerstone.edu/theatre or by calling our Ticket Sales Coordinator at 616.516.0000.
matthews auditorium, Grand Rapids theological seminary
location
3000 leonard ave ne • Grand Rapids, MI For additional information, contact Mary Poling, Division of Communication & Media administrative assistant, at 616.949.5300, ext. 1140.
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questions?
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visit us online: Website – www.cornerstone.edu/theatre Cornerstone University Theatre @TheatreatCU
email us: theatre.tickets@cornerstone.edu call us: 616.516.0000
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online www.cornerstone.edu/theatre
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by mail Complete the Season Membership Order Form and send it with payment to: Cornerstone University Theatre 1001 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
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by phone Call our Ticket Sales Coordinator at 616.516.0000 and order your season tickets or group tickets. Please have your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card number and expiration date available.
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in person Tickets will be on sale in the Matthews Auditorium lobby, in the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary building at 3000 Leonard Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Mich., at 6:30 p.m. prior to evening theatre performances and at 1:30 p.m. before matinees.
Scan this code to order tickets on your smart phone!
For specific season membership questions, call our ticket sales coordinator at 616.516.0000.
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CORNERSTONE.EDU/ THEATRE
SCENE ON STAGE AT CU
2012-2013 THEATRE SEASON
CORNERSTONE UNIVERSIT Y
become a season member by Sept. 15 and save up to 15%!