UK Theatre 'Acts Out' for the 2011-12 Season
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2011) − The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre will mount a season portraying characters who rebel and push themselves beyond their normal boundaries. Don't miss the opportunity to see UK Theatre's 2011-2012 season "Rebels Act Out," a collection of productions featuring a Pulitzer Prize winning play, a Shakespearean classic, a Tony Award-winning musical, and the department's inaugural dance concert.
The UK Theatre season kicks off with a performance of "The Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven," a classic tale of mayhem and adventure in a family-friendly setting. The performance highlights a beloved Chinese character, the Monkey King, as he raids the Grand Banquet of Immortal Peaches in search of extra lives. As a result, the central character finds himself in hot water with the Emperor and only Buddha can bail him out of his predicament. This production, adapted from Chinese folktales, is presented in conjunction with UK College of Arts and Sciences' Year of China and the Arts Asia Festival. "Monkey King" will be presented Oct. 6-16.
Next up, UK Theatre will take on the classic Shakespearean tale of "Romeo and Juliet," a tale of two star-crossed lovers from two respected Italian families. The Capulets and the Montagues are in the midst of a bitter family feud. Will love prevail for the young forbidden lovers? Never has the vow "till death do us part" been taken so seriously. "Romeo and Juliet" will run Dec. 1-11.
New faculty member Susie Thiel teams up with local artist and Broadway performer Lyndy Franklin Smith to bring the university the inaugural concert for UK Theatre's new dance program. "3Dimensions: Winter Dance Concert," featuring exciting original work by Thiel, Smith and New York City choreographer Blake Pearson, will grace the Guignol stage Jan. 27 and 28.
The Pulitzer Prize winning "August: Osage County" comes to UK in February. This dark comedy follows a tragically dysfunctional family after the loss of their patriarch as an impossible love blossoms. Throughout the performance generations of the family's dirty laundry is aired across the stage for all to hear. "August: Osage County" will run Feb. 23-24 and March 1- 4.
The Tony Award winning "Thoroughly Modern Mille" closes out the 2011-2012 season. This production follows a 1920s dame named Millie Dillmount as she packs her bags and heads off for the Big Apple. Feeling the idea of marrying for love is old and an inadequate way of life, Millie sets out to find a rich man. Her quest hits an unforeseen snag when she meets a special someone with a big secret. The spirit of New York speakeasies animates this musical with its own brand of "all that jazz." "Thoroughly Modern Millie," featuring choreography by Thiel, takes the stage April 19- 29.
The UK Department of Theatre at UK College of Fine Arts has played an active role in the performance scene in Central Kentucky for more than 100 years. Students in the program get hands-on training and one-on-one mentorship from a renowned professional theatre faculty. The liberal arts focus of their bachelor's degree program is coupled with ongoing career counseling to ensure a successful transition from campus to professional life.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2011-2012 UK Theatre season. All productions will be presented at Guignol Theatre. For specific times and dates, visit UK Theatre online at www.uky.edu/FineArts/Theatre/current2.html. Tickets are $10 for students with a university ID and $15 for general admission. To purchase tickets, contact the Singletary Center ticket office at (859) 257-4929, visit online at www.singletarytickets.com, or visit the ticket office in person.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-8716 or whitney.hale@uky.edu