Of Thee I Sing (in Concert)
Book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind
Music by George Gershwin and Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Directed by Mark Dani
October 6-9, 2016
U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building
The celebrated authors of Strike Up The Band teamed with librettist Morrie Ryskind for another no-holds-barred assault on the American way of life in one of the longest running shows of the 1930's and the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize.
This all-American political satire focuses on the election campaign and Presidency of John P. Wintergreen, whose party, lacking a viable platform, runs on love, promising that if elected he will marry the partner chosen for him at an Atlantic City beauty pageant. When he falls for Mary Turner (a campaign secretary who bakes a mean corn muffin) instead of Diana Deveraux (the fairest flower of the South and winner of the pageant), trouble begins!
With politicians skewered right and left (including a Vice President who wanders the White House unrecognized by his own staff), Of Thee I Sing is an hilarious and timeless send-up of national institutions that is as relevant as ever. (It even features its own impeachment proceedings!) The extensive hit-filled score, one of the George and Ira Gershwin's finest creations, makes the show as suitable for concert presentation as full production.
This will mark the Theatre program's third co-production with TheatreZone of Naples.
October 6, 7* & 8 at 8:00 p.m.
October 9 at 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.
*Post-performance discussion
Tickets are: $10 student (with valid ID), $45 Orchestra, $55 Premium Orchestra and $65 Box
The Tempest
By William Shakespeare
November 11-20, 2016
Directed by Barry Cavin
TheatreLab
In celebration of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, the Theatre program proudly presents The Tempest. In The Tempest, long considered one of Shakespeare's most lyrical plays, Prospero—a magician on an enchanted island—punishes his enemies, brings happiness to his daughter, and comes to terms with human use of supernatural power. The Tempest embodies both seemingly timeless romance and the historically specific moment in which Europe begins to explore and conquer the New World.
Its complexity of thought, its range of characters—from the spirit Ariel and the monster Caliban to the beautiful Miranda and her prince Ferdinand -its poetic beauty, and its exploration of difficult questions that still haunt us today make this play wonderfully compelling.
Please note that there is some sexually explicit material in this performance.
November 11, 12, 18 & 19 at 7:30 p.m.
November 13, 19* & 20 at 2:00 p.m.
*Post-performance discussion
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students
Image entitled: Roger Chamieh, Mutation 3 detail, 2016, Styrofoam, rope, and pine & oak wood, 12 x 3 x 4’. This piece of art will serve as the focal point of the shipwreck for this production.
The Foreigner
By Larry Shue
February 17-26, 2017
Directed by Greg Longenhagen
TheatreLab
The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by "Froggy" LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base. This time "Froggy" has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. So "Froggy," before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should—the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; the fact that the minister's pretty fiancée is pregnant; and many other damaging revelations made with the thought that Charlie doesn't understand a word being said. That he does fuels the nonstop hilarity of the play and sets up the wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry for the "bad guys," and the "good guys" emerge triumphant.
Winner of two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production. An inspired comic romp, equal in inventive hilarity to the author's classic comedy The Nerd.
February 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 7:30 p.m.
February 19, 25* & 26 at 2:00 p.m.
*Post-performance discussion
Artist Residency With Tim Miller
April 4, 2017 (solo performance by the artist) at 7:30 p.m.
April 7-9, 2017 (see schedule below)
TheatreLab
Internationally-acclaimed solo performer Tim Miller will perform excerpts from his work and speak about the role performance plays in constellating identity. Known for his charged performance work which takes up the most challenging social texts of our time, Miller will share fierce and funny performance material as well as speak about how performance can be used to embolden communities, challenge injustice and connect people with one another.
Miller will also conduct a series of workshops with FGCU students drawing from their own life stories that will culminate in a weekend of performances written and performed by those students.
Please Note: These performances contain mature language and situations, and sexually suggestive content and are not recommended for children under 18 years of age.
Solo performance by Tim Miller: April 4*
April 7 & 8 at 7:30 p.m.
April 9 at 2:00 p.m.
*Post-performance discussion
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students
