The 64th season of Emporia State University Summer Theatre kicks off Wednesday, June 13, at 7:30 pm with “A Dog’s Life” by Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto. Directed by Jim and Lindy Bartruff, with musical direction by Alexis Lowder, the show was first produced at the American Heartland Theatre in Kansas City. “A Dog’s Life” is a warmhearted new musical that chronicles the joys and challenges of dog ownership. Suitable for dog and cat lovers alike, the show is a celebration of the inseparable bond between man and mutt. But just who owns whom?
When Joel (Ben Hill, North Platte, Nebraska) adopts a pound dog named Jack (Tyler Lang, Wichita) both quickly realize that life will never be the same. The ensemble also features Hewleek McKoy (Olathe) as Big Dog and Elizabeth Tate (Sand Springs, Oklahoma) as Little Dog. Mollie McClanahan(Topeka) and Miranda Kimble (Mullinville) are the stage managers.
The production team is led by scenographer Rick Rasmussen who designs the set and costumes for the show. He celebrates his 25th (and final) season with ESU Summer Theatre as a guest artist. Rasmussen is assisted by Costume Shop Manager Amanda Dura and senior Elizabeth Higbee (Tonganoxie). Jared Steele (junior, Garden City) is the sound designer and senior Isabella Harvey (McPherson) is the lighting designer.
Chris Lohkamp is the technical director overseeing the work of scene shop workers Mason Nicks (Leavenworth), Cameron Webb (Shawnee), Cameron White (Meriden), Drew Keller (Ellis), Harriel Mack (Newton) and Lucas Coble (Olpe). The costume crew includes Dayne Sabatos (Burlington), Weiqi Meng (Beijing, China), Emily Rayson (Ottawa) and Isabelle Nelson (Olathe). Abbi Timmermeyer (Andover) serves as Propmaster and House Manager for the production while Zulema Renteria (Emporia) coordinates promotions and social media.
“A Dog’s Life” runs June 13-16 at 7:30 PM in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall at Emporia State University. For tickets, visit the Memorial Union Ticket Office, go online at tickets.emporia.edu or call 620-341-6378.