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BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University Department of Theatre has released its schedule for the 2019-20 theatre season. The season features an exciting and diverse combination of shows for a range of audiences.
A brief summary of the shows featured is listed below:
“Steel Magnolias,” by Robert Harling, will be presented at 7 p.m., Sept. 26-28, and directed by SBU alumnae Melissa Harlow ’08, co-founder of Stomping Ground Theatre Co., New York City.
This beloved dramatic comedy centers on the life-long relationships that sustain a close-knit group of women in a small, Southern town. When tragedy strikes one of their own, the women exemplify the characteristic combination of strength and grace that defines their community.
“Tartuffe,” by Molière and translated by Richard Wilbur, will be presented at 7 p.m., Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 14-16, and directed by Dr. Bethany Wood, assistant professor of theatre at SBU. Molière’s 17th Century comedy delights modern audiences with its hilarious send up of moral hypocrisy. The play satirizes false piety in the character Tartuffe, who pretends to be pious in order to steal money from the devout but gullible Orgon. The comedic unraveling of Tartuffe’s scheme reveals the importance of wisdom and true faith in this comedic tale.
“Overture the Musical,” by Krista Eyler and Barbara Nichols, will make its regional premier at 7 p.m., March 5-7, and is directed by Mr. Jonathan Wehmeyer. This musical tells the story of the Kansas City Philharmonic in its turbulent 1953 season. Struggling to survive another year, the philharmonic relies on the passion of its diligent fundraising team to bring music to Kansas City for one more season. As a work of historical fiction with great comedic flair, “Overture the Musical” takes the audience through a tale of love and loss, as well as music.
A Devised Performance by SBU Students, will be presented at 7 p.m., April 23-25. Devised theatre is the practice of collaboratively creating an original performance piece. Actors, designers, musicians and writers work together in this process to create a unique experience. SBU students perform new and relevant work devised specifically for SBU theatre.
Tickets can be purchased online at: sbuniv.edu/theatre.
For more information about the productions or the Department of Theatre, contact Wood at bwood@SBUniv.edu or (417) 328-1688.
*Published: 5-23-19
