Stephens College Performing Arts 2016-2017 Season Brochure by Stephens College

Tradition Inspiring Innovation PERFORMING ARTS 2016-2017 SEASON

Curtain up for the 2016-2017 season, “Tradition Inspiring Innovation.” This year, you will experience varied expressions of playwrights, composers and choreographers as we honor the voices of the past and interpret those voices in innovative ways. Wendy Wasserstein gives us an insightful perspective during an election year. We hear stories of women who were courageous pilots during World War II. We celebrate great music from musicals to the classics, and we hear the words of Jane Austen brought to life in a fascinating retelling. From celebrations of the past—the 50th anniversary of Sweet Charity to the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen and her stunning work, Emma—there is truly something for everyone in this season. Add the spice of a mystery to our offerings with Dickens’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood to a new work that challenges us to think about the clothes that we wear and how they define us. Our student-run Warehouse Theatre Company will once again provide productions for and about women. We promise that you will be provoked to thought and, of course, always be entertained. Our Digital Filmmaking program will also offer opportunities to experience female voices through both the Citizen Jane Film Institute and presentations of powerful student work. Join us for moving and varied musical entertainment, dance that will captivate and inspire, and TRYPS productions that will delight the entire family. We are honoring the past, reveling in the present, and looking to the future as our wonderful Stephens students, faculty and staff, along with stunning guest artists, create and generate art to share with all of you!

Playhouse Theatre Company An American Daughter By Wendy Wasserstein [American Classic, PG-13 for adult themes and language] 7:30 p.m., Sept. 23-24, Sept. 30-Oct. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Sept. 25 Macklanburg Playhouse A timely and timeless political saga. Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes, the daughter of a longtime senator, is nominated to a cabinet post. When an indiscretion from her past is exposed, she is scandalized by the media and forced to make a decision: Continue to pursue the post and face an ugly Senate hearing, or decline the nomination. Partisan and personal politics abound.

The Night Witches By Alicia Crosby, Vanita Kalra, Riva Rubenoff and Sara Vanasse with contributions from the Stephens College cast [New Work, PG-13] 7:30 p.m., Oct. 21-22; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Oct. 23 Macklanburg Playhouse A devised piece with stories of courageous Soviet women bombardiers during WWII. A new adaptation of an original drama developed by Butter and Serve Theatre Company. The stories of courageous women are told in a compelling fashion through simulated oral histories, storytelling, creative movement and naturalistic scenes. Squad 588, aka, the Night Witches, were the female Soviet air regiment who flew harassing, bombing missions against invading German troops in WWII.

Sweet Charity Book by Neil Simon, Music by Cy Coleman, Lyrics by Dorothy Fields [Musical, PG-13] 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2-3, 9-10; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Dec. 4 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8; Special Behind-the-Scenes Event & Cy Coleman Sing-Along (Free) Macklanburg Playhouse

Join Charity as she sings, dances, cries and laughs her way through life in New York City. Have you ever known a girl who wanted something so badly that she tried too hard to get it? Meet Sweet Charity. From her cynical hardcore trio of girlfriends at the dance hall to her Coney Island colleagues, Charity Hope Valentine sings her way through many classical musical numbers, including “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now” and “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This.”

Emma From the novel by Jane Austen, Adapted by Michael Bloom [Classic, G] 7:30 p.m., Feb. 3-4, 10-11; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Feb. 5 Macklanburg Playhouse

A crisp, dynamic retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved classic. Originally published in 1815, this classic tale follows matchmaker Emma Woodhouse who has just moved on to her newest “project”—a sweet, but modest girl named Harriet Smith. Having played matchmaker for her longtime nanny, vivacious Emma is determined to find Harriet an impressive suitor in spite of her social standing. As Emma becomes entangled in the romantic lives of her friends and acquaintances, she unwittingly falls in love with the least likely of bachelors in this lighthearted tale of gossip, matrimony and misunderstanding.

Everything You Touch By Sheila Callaghan [New Work, PG-13] 7:30 p.m., March 3-4; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees, March 4-5 Warehouse Theatre

Questions of personal ethics collide. Victor is a ruthless fashion designer in the 1970s at the top of his game. Esme, his glamorous protégé and muse, is pushed aside when an ordinary Midwestern woman inspires Victor to make his artistry accessible to the masses. A generation later, a woman wrestles with her family demons trying to find her way through a world of fashion that won’t give a woman her size a second look. Moving back and forth in time, Everything You Touch is a viciously funny look at the struggle to find an identity that’s more than skin deep.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood By Rupert Holmes [Musical, PG-13 for adult themes] 7:30 p.m., April 28-29, May 3-5; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, April 30 Macklanburg Playhouse A musical whodunit where the audience determines the ending. This hilarious musical is loosely based on Charles Dickens’ famous unfinished novel. Presented as a “first night performance by The Music Hall Royale,” a troupe of decidedly hammy Victorian actors challenges the audience to vote directly to affect the play’s outcome. The audience votes for whomever they think murdered the unfortunate young Edwin Drood. Well-known musical numbers include “There You Are,” “Moonfall” and “Off to the Races.”

Warehouse Theatre Company

Brewed By Scott T. Barsotti [Dark Comedy/ Fantasy, PG-13] 7:30 p.m., Sept. 29-30; Oct. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Oct. 2 A darkly humorous look at family loyalty. Six sisters are forced to confront their mysterious and complicated past when an outsider enters their midst. Dark humor, intense combat and shocks around every turn make this piece positively â&#x20AC;&#x153;bewitching.â&#x20AC;?

Dance Annual Dance Company Spring Concert 7:30 p.m., March 16-18; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, March 19 Macklanburg Playhouse Celebrate the beauty of expression through a variety of dance styles. A highly anticipated Stephens tradition, the spring dance concert showcases classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance choreographed by faculty. Additionally, world dance selections choreographed by visiting guest artists make this truly a unique and aesthetically beautiful production.

Sealed for Freshness By Doug Stone [Comedy, PG-13] 7:30 p.m., Oct. 27-29; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Oct. 30 A hilarious comedy set in ’60s suburbia. It’s 1968 and women are seeking independence wherever they can, even by selling Tupperware. Sealed for Freshness is about five neighborhood women and a Tupperware party that doesn’t quite go according to plan when strong personalities and secret pasts clash in this hilarious comedy.

Dry Land By Ruby Rae Spiegel [Drama, PG-13] 7:30 p.m., Feb. 16-18; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Feb. 19 A thought-provoking play about growing up. Ester just wants to swim. Amy just wants to get out of town. When Amy gets pregnant, she has to turn to the new girl to help her, and the two form an unlikely friendship while just trying to stay afloat.

Drowning Girls By Beth Graham, Daniela Vlaskalic and Charlie Tomlinson [Experimental, PG-13] 7:30 p.m., April 6-8; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, April 9 Experimental theatre that is both intriguing and poetic. Drowning Girls features three women who were drowned in the bathtub by their husbands, who all turn out to be the same man. The three women share the stories of how they fell in love and how they died in this innovative work.

All Warehouse Theatre Company productions are held in the Warehouse Theatre.

New Works Dance Concert 7:30 p.m., April 21-22; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, April 23 Warehouse Theatre Vibrant new works that will give you a glimpse into the future. Members of the Stephens Dance Company perform adjudicated student choreography in this edgy and contemporary concert that will leave you inspired.

Music Bach’s Lunch Student Recital Series 12:30 p.m., Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 17, 2016; Feb. 23, March 23, April 27, 2017  Historic Senior Hall Recital Hall A great way to spend your lunch hour! Relax in the elegant surroundings of Historic Senior Hall and join Stephens vocal soloists and ensembles as they perform a variety of musical theatre, vocal jazz, classical and choral works. These monthly recitals are free and open to the public—but get there early because seats go quickly!

“Stephens Sings” Fall Choral Concert 7:30 p.m., Oct. 23 Sacred Heart Catholic Church Choral music for lovers of song. Join the Stephens Concert Choir for an evening of choral music in the beautiful Sacred Heart Catholic Church. This performance is appropriate for all ages and is free and open to the public. Showcase Ensembles Concerts 7:30 p.m., Nov. 13, Warehouse Theatre; April 30, Location TBA A wonderful night of music. Enjoy vocal jazz and show tunes presented by two of our finest ensembles: The Velvetones and A Class Act Musical Theatre Troupe. These performances are free and open to the public.

TRYPS Elf Jr. 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 3-4 Warehouse Theatre Embrace your “inner elf” this holiday season! Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.

A Dickens Victorian Christmas 7:30 p.m., Dec. 4-7 Historic Senior Hall Parlors A Columbia favorite! Settle in for some old-fashioned figgy pudding and Christmas carols at this much-anticipated holiday event. An authentic recreation of a 19th century English Christmas with none other than Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dickens, this spirited evening includes music, period dance, refreshments, games and frivolity. Appropriate for all ages.

“Stephens Sings” Spring Choral Concert 2 p.m., April 23 Firestone Baars Chapel Choral music for lovers of song. Join the Stephens Concert Choir and women’s choirs from area schools for an evening of music in the extraordinary surroundings of the Firestone Baars Chapel. This program is appropriate for all ages and is free and open to the public.

Theatre for Young Audiences. TRYPS Institute presents a season of tradition and innovation tailored for family audiences. Join us for musicals that inspire with big characters and big dreams.

James and the Giant Peach 7 p.m., April 7; 2 p.m. Saturday matinee, April 8 Macklanburg Playhouse

Music Man Jr. 7 p.m., May 5-6; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees, May 6-7 Warehouse Theatre

Roald Dahl’s “master peach” about a boy, a journey and a giant piece of fruit. Be charmed by this beloved tale about a boy, his insect friends and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit.

Oh, we got trouble! Right here in River City! A fast-talking con man meets his match in the no-nonsense town librarian in this classic musical, which is sure to please all ages.

Film Best of the Year Student Films 7 p.m., Sept. 23 Charters Lecture Hall

Senior Film Showcase 7 p.m., March 10 Macklanburg Playhouse

Showcasing the best in student works. Stephens College Digital Filmmaking students will screen their works during a showcase that will inspire and entertain you. These young women have spent the past few years learning to tell powerful stories that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss.

New voices in action. Join us for the premiere screening of films directed by the 2017 Stephens Digital Filmmaking program graduates. Celebrate the diverse voices of a new generation of filmmakers.

Citizen Jane Film Festival Nov. 3-6 Stephens College campus Independent film by independent women. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this annual film festival celebrating and showcasing the works of women filmmakers from around the world. The four-day festival includes filmmaker panels, workshops and some of the best in independent film by women for everyone.

Citizen Jane Lecture Series Free lecture series celebrating women in film. This series brings nationally recognized women filmmakers to campus to screen and discuss their work throughout the year. Join us for thoughtful conversations and powerful films that force us to re-evaluate the world in which we live. More details on film events can be found at stephens.edu/events or citizenjanefilm.org.

Friends of Performing Arts Join the Friends of the School of Performing Arts with a pledge of $100 or more and be recognized in the Performing Arts program for all productions. Your donation will support production costs and allow us to maximize the performance experience for our students and for our audiences. We appreciate your contribution for the 2016-2017 season and look forward to you taking a seat at our theatre, dance, music and film offerings. To contribute, see the ticket page or contact us at boxoffice@stephens.edu or (573) 876-7199 for details.

Stephens College 2016–2017 Performing Arts Ticket Order Form PLAYHOUSE

group rates available

DATE

# OF TICKETS

TOTAL

An American Daughter

___$14 General ___ $7 Student/Senior

The Night Witches

___$14 General ___ $7 Student/Senior

Sweet Charity

___$16 General ___ $8 Student/Senior

Emma

___$14 General ___ $7 Student/Senior

Everything You Touch

___$14 General ___ $7 Student/Senior

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

___$16 General ___ $8 Student/Senior

WAREHOUSE group rates available Brewed