The second show of ESU Summer Theatre’s 65th season is one of two fan favorites being reprised.
“America’s Songbook, A Musical Revue” revisits many of America’s most popular and beloved songs. Audiences will be taken on a nostalgic and informative journey from colonial times to the Civil War; from Tin Pan Alley and the golden age of Broadway right up to our own time. Featuring songs by famous composers like Irving Berlin and George M. Cohan, the revue features songs and tales that recount America’s story. “America’s Songbook” was one of the highlights of the 52nd season of summer theatre in 2006.
Emporia State’s Summer Theatre program was started in 1955 by Karl C. Bruder and is the longest running summer stock theatre on the Great Plains.
The show was devised by Jim Bartruff, who once again serves as the director. Lindy Bartruff provides the choreography. Melinda Groves and Tiffany Budke are the production pianists and Stephen Holbert (Olathe) is the music director. The set is designed by Ben Williams, and the costumes are designed by Amanda Dura. The technical director is Chris Lohkamp and the lighting is by Mason Nicks (Leavenworth).
The production stage manager is Riley “Jack” Greenwood (Valley Center). The assistant stage manager is Erin McNeley-Phelps (Lenexa). The cast includes Colton Adams (Wichita), Jasmine Hall (Independence), Miranda Kimble (Mullinville), Hewleek McKoy (Olathe), Weiqi Meng (Beijing, China), Alum Landon Noll (Kansas City), Zulema Renteria (Emporia) and Emily Sanderlin, a student at Benedictine College whose hometown is Crumrod, Arkansas. Lucas Coble (Olpe) is designing a slide show that will be featured in the production and the sound designer is senior Jared Steele (Garden City).
“America’s Songbook” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. June 26 through 29 in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall on the campus of Emporia State University. Tickets purchased in advance for our Summer Season cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. Tickets purchased at the door on the day of a performance increase to $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for students. Tickets for all ESU Theatre productions can be purchased online at tickets.emporia.edu. Tickets are also available in person from the University Ticket Office in the Memorial Union or by calling 620-341-6378.