University News
WIU "Summer Music Theatre at 35"
May 31, 2006
MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University celebrates “Summer Music Theatre at 35” in 2006 with a piece of Americana; a heart-warming, foot-stomping gospel music comedy; and, as a new twist, a comedy play about payback.
“Summer Music Theatre (SMT) at 35” includes:
• “Meet Me In St. Louis,” 7:30 p.m., June 23, 24, 29, 30 and July 1, Browne Hall Hainline Theatre;
• “I Shall Not Be Moved,” 7:30 p.m., July 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, Horrabin Hall Theatre; and
• “The Nerd,” 7:30 p.m., July 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, Horrabin Hall Theatre.
“Meet Me In St. Louis,” presented through the generous support of Alfred D. Boyer, is based on the 1944 MGM motion picture starring Judy Garland and tells the story of an idyllic era via the Smith family. Daughter Esther sets her sights on “The Boy Next Door;” John Truitt; and Mr. and Mrs. Smith reminisce about the strong bonds of their family. Famous songs include “The Trolley Song,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Skip To My Lou.” Marcus Olson, assistant theatre professor and co-director of Western’s BFA musical theatre program, is the director and Matt Bean, associate professor of music, is the musical director.
Boyer, a 1972 accountancy alumnus and international financier, is a devoted supporter of his alma mater, serving on the Foundation Board of Directors and the College of Business and Technology Advisory Board. His many contributions have benefited a variety of WesternÂ’s students through scholarships and programs including Summer Music Theatre, the Performing Arts Society and Intercollegiate Athletics.
“That Old Time Religion” is just one of the familiar songs in “I Shall Not Be Moved,” the musical which carries the name of another well-known spiritual. Inspired by the singing Hamm family who performed at churches throughout the Hooker, OK area in the 1940s and ’50s, “I Shall Not Be Moved” takes a good-natured look at Second Lieutenant Jimmy Ray Hatfield, who is being shipped out in a week to serve as a Army Air Corps chaplain during World War II, and his family gathered at their country church to give him an appropriate send off - - father Orval Hatfield, supervisor of the Texas County, OK road crew; mother Opal, a homemaker suffering from empty nest syndrome; pregnant sister Mary Ellen who is married to Preacher Virgil Hathaway; and sister Kimberly Sue who has made War Bond promotional films. Join the Hatfields in raising the rafters with songs likes “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “Revive Us Again,” “Standing on the Promises of God,” “Sweet By and By,” “Amazing Graze” and “When We All Get to Heaven.” D.C. Wright, assistant theatre professor, is the director and Lynn Thompson is the musical director.
In a departure from past summers, SMT will present Larry Shue's “The Nerd” as the last production of the season. A side-splitting comedy about payback, “The Nerd” follows Willum Cubbert, an aspiring young architect in Terre Haute, IN, who was seriously wounded in Vietnam. He has often told his friends about Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life in Vietnam. He has written to Rick to say that, as long as he is alive, "you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you" - so Rick shows up. At first Willum is delighted but the delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless nerd, a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and even less tact. But Rick stays on, and one uproarious incident after another pushes Willum to contemplate violence - a dire development which, happily, is staved off by the surprising twist-ending of the play. Assistant theatre professor Jason Conner is the play director.
Season tickets are available for $45. Individual show tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens (62 and above) and $10 for children under 12. The Hainline Theatre Box Office, telephone 309/298-2900, will be open for ticket orders beginning Monday, June 5. Box office hours are from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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