The IUP Department of Theater and Dance is pleased to announce the following productions that will be presented by Theater-by-the-Grove (TBTG), the major producing agency for our department. If you have any questions about any of these productions, please contact Barb Blackledge, the department's director of Production (Barb.Blackledge@iup.edu).
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The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Barbara Blackledge
October 1–3 and 7–10; 8:00 p.m.
October 4; 2:00 p.m.
Waller Hall Mainstage, Performing Arts Center
A Theater-by-the-Grove production
Subtitled “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People,” The Importance of Being Earnest comically reveals the adventures, mischief, and drama involved with two friends who both lead double lives. Jack, who was discovered in a bag as a baby, goes by the name “Earnest” in London. Algernon claims to have a needy friend in the country to where he frequently escapes. Troubles arise when Earnest falls in love with Gwendolyn, who is enticed by the name and Algernon pretends to be Earnest in order to meet Jack's attractive ward, Cecily. As one can well imagine, things get out of hand and the truth is revealed when Gwendolyn and Cecily meet, both claiming to be engaged to Earnest.
The Collector of Beauty
Composed by Derek Cooper
Directed by Holly Boda-Sutton
October 23–24; 7:00 p.m.
October 25; 2:00 p.m.
Zink Hall Dance Theater
An IUP Dance Theater production
The Collector of Beauty features an original score composed by Derek Cooper, an IUP student. This dark story is loosely based on the film Perfume and is performed by the IUP Dance Theater as well as IUP musicians. The story follows the life of John Beringer, a man who realizes he has the ability to extract the souls of beautiful women to keep for himself.
New Works, New Voices
Directed by Jason Chimonides, Hayley Faight, Nick Hrutkay, and Vikki Marcocelli
November 5–7 and 11–14; 8:00 p.m.
November 8; 2:00 p.m.
Waller Hall Mainstage, Performing Arts Center
A Theater-by-the-Grove production
New Works, New Voices presents the world premiere of four new short plays written by IUP alumni and students, chosen during a competitive submission process. The plays selected are: Gossip!, a musical written by IUP theater major, Joe York; The Embalmer: A Love Story written by IUP theater major, Tyler McPherson; The Noosemaker written by IUP alumnus, John Trevellini; and High on Golgotha written by IUP alumnus, Phillip Keeling.
Check out some audience comments from opening night!
Sweet Charity
Book Neil Simon, Music by Cy Coleman, Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Directed by Rob Gretta
Musical Direction by Sarah Mantel
Choreography by Joan Van Dyke
February 25–27; 8:00 p.m.
February 28: 2:00 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Performing Arts Center
A coproduction of IUP Music Theater and Theater-by-the-Grove
People have taken advantage of Charity Valentine, a dance hostess at the Fandango ballroom, too many times. After being forced to hide from a movie star's mistress, Charity meets the good natured Oscar. An unflappable optimist, Charity's misfortunes and bad luck with men and relationships are revealed in this wishful musical about trying to find love and a better life. In addition to the title song, this Tony Award-winning musical also features hits such as “Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now.”
Spring Dance Performance
Directed by Holly Boda-Sutton
Zink Hall Dance Theater
March 26–27; 7:00 p.m.
March 28; 2:00 p.m.
An IUP Dance Theater production
This popular production offers a collection of work ranging from humorous to dramatic to inspiring to quirky. The event brings visiting artists and students together for a performance overflowing with energy and expression.
The Servant of Two Masters
By Carlo Goldoni and adapted by Lee Hall
Directed by Rick Kemp
April 15–17 and 21–24; 8:00 p.m.
April 18; 2:00 p.m.
Waller Hall Mainstage, Performing Arts Center
A Theater-by-the-Grove production
The Servant of Two Masters is a comical adventure resplendent with hidden identities, star-crossed lovers, and unmitigated lightheartedness. The story unfolds as Beatrice, posing as her dead brother, attempts to claim money to marry her lover, who also happens to be her brother's murderer. As confusion grows surrounding the dead brother's fiancé and new betrothed, the servant, Truffaldino, unknowingly takes on secretly serving two masters–Beatrice in disguise and her lover. Truffaldino's mix ups only add to the overall confusion and hilarity of this antic-filled comedy classic.
Theater-by-the-Grove, Music Theater, and IUP Dance Theater are funded, in part, by the IUP Student Cooperative Association.