The 62nd season of Emporia State University Summer Theatre proudly continues a favorite Emporia tradition with four delightful shows sure to please audiences of all ages. The line-up includes “Coming to America” by James Hindman and Ray Roderick, “The Dinner Party” by Neil Simon, “Don’t Dress for Dinner” by Marc Camoletti and Robin Hawdon and “The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” by John Glore. All performances will be at the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall on the Emporia State University campus. For tickets or more information, call the Memorial Union Ticket Office at 620-341-6378.
Directed by Jim Bartruff and choreographed by Lindy Bartruff, “Coming to America” is a cross between an old book musical and a musical revue telling the true stories of five unknown immigrants to Ellis Island – American heroes who changed the face of this country. The show features ragtime music, sketch comedy and songs by landmark composers of the early 20th century, including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and George M. Cohan. “Coming to America” runs June 15 – 18 at 7:30 pm.
Next in the Summer Theatre line-up is “The Dinner Party”, which will be under the direction of ESU alum Bob Hart. Written by Neil Simon, this romantic comedy involves six people invited to dine at a fine Parisian restaurant unaware of who the other guests will be or why they were invited. Tossed together in a private dining room, they have a sneaking suspicion that this unorthodox dinner party will forever change their lives. “The Dinner Party” runs June 29 – July 2 at 7:30 pm.
“Don’t Dress for Dinner” is the third show of the season, directed by Jim Bartruff with assistance from Nathan Dale Short (Paola). This fast and furious farce follows Bernard (Mitchell Hoover, Cowley County Community College), who is planning a romantic weekend with his mistress in his charming converted French farmhouse while his wife, Jacqueline (Lisa Tinker, Derby), is away. He has arranged for a cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend Robert (Andrew Ralston, Topeka) along to provide an alibi. It’s foolproof. What could possibly go wrong? An evening of hilarious confusion, lies and breathless escapes ensues. “Don’t Dress for Dinner” runs July 13 – 16 at 7:30 pm.
Our season closes with a charming family comedy, “The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” by John Glore. In this retelling of favorite storybook fables, everything from Chicken Little to The Gingerbread Man gets an uproariously derailed makeover. Fun music and witty narration accompany the likes of ineloquent giants, sassy barnyard animals, colossal cow pies, and enough stinky cheese to go around. Under the direction of Dan Matisa, “The Stinky Cheeseman” will run July 27 – 29 at 7:30 pm and July 30 at 2:00 pm.
Technical direction for the theatre season is provided by Chris Lohkamp; Lohkamp will also be the scenic designer for “Don’t Dress for Dinner.” Costume designers for the season include Amanda Dura and ESU alum Kelsey Patterson with assistance from Courtney Romero (Kansas City). Rick Rasmussen will be returning to design scenery and costumes for “Coming to America” and “The Dinner Party.” ESU Alum Eric Luchen is the scenic designer for “The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.”
Other 2016 Summer Theatre student company members include Dustin Bittel (Ellis), Elliott Brest (Tonganoxie), Arijana Cook (Junction City), Chris Hanian (Des Moines, IA), Isabella Harvey (McPherson), Torin Hovik (North Dakota State University), Jingyi Hua (Dalian, China), Aubrey Jenkins (Admire), Tyler Lang (Wichita), Payton Latney (Cowley County Community College), Paige Lundin (Cowley County Community College), Harriel Mack (Miami), Andrew McCutcheon (Garden City), Rachel Muirhead (Hays), Fran Opheim (Olathe), Zulema Renteria (Emporia), Justin Tinker (Henderson, NV) and Logan Wohlford (Valley Center).
For tickets to these performance, visit the Memorial Union Ticket Office or call 620-341-6378. For media inquiries and more information about the show season, contact Jim Bartruff, Director of Theatre, at 620-341-5704 or jbartruf@emporia.edu.