May 24, 2012
Directed by department chair Brant Pope, The Cherry Orchard continues to resonate with audiences 100 years after it was first produced.
Since it's earnest beginnings in 1938, the University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance has brought dynamic and inspiring performances to the stage. This fall, the drama returns as a killer roams the streets of London in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; pairs of lovers become ensnared in a circle of seduction and betrayal in Steven Dietz' new piece, 360 (round dance); and a boy learns to speak goat in the thought provoking play, The Transition of Doodle Pequeño.
The fall season kicks off with Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, the comical and poignant tale of a Russian aristocratic family struggling to keep pace with change. Performed on a minimalist set in the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre, the audience will be captivated by the acting of Lauren Lane, from television's The Nanny, Lucien Douglas, from film's Miss Congeniality, Brooks Barr, and a cast of student talent.
Directed by department chair Brant Pope, The Cherry Orchard continues to resonate with audiences 100 years after it was first produced. Pope explains, “The current crisis in our nation makes The Cherry Orchard story particularly pertinent to our audiences. A once affluent and socially prominent family's way of life stands on the edge of oblivion due to the changing economic and social forces they cannot control. Somehow, despite everything, these charming yet exasperating people find a way to meet each new day and move forward.”
A special pre-performance discussion, “Chekhov, our Contemporary” will be held on September 22 at 6:00 p.m. Guest speakers include Dr. James Loehlin, author of Chekhov: The Cherry Orchard and director of the Shakespeare at Winedale Program, and the play's director, Brant Pope. Scenes from The Cherry Orchard and El Nogalar will be presented by members of the cast. Admission to this special event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited.
Tickets for all performances go on sale September 1 at authorized ticket outlets, which include the Bass Concert Hall Box Office, most H-E-B stores and all Texas Box Office outlets, online at TexasPerformingArts.org, or by calling (512) 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO (2386).
FALL 2011 SEASON
The Cherry Orchard
By Anton Chekhov
Directed by Brant Pope
September 16 - 25, 2011
Oscar G. Brockett Theatre
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
from Robert Louis Stevenson's
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Directed by Daria Davis
October 28 - November 6, 2011
B. Iden Payne Theatre
Presented in partnership with Texas Performing Arts
In Hatcher's stage play of this classic tale, Dr. Henry Jekyll is tormented by his own creation, Mr. Edward Hyde. Mesmerizing and intense, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde delves into jealousy, paranoia, and addiction and reveals the monster that may lie beneath the surface. As his psyche splinters, Jekyll must confront Hyde “ himself ” and the darkness that exists in both men.
360 (round dance)
By Steven Dietz
Based on the 1900 play Reigen by Arthur Schnitzler
Directed by Courtney Sale
November 11 - 20, 2011
Oscar G. Brockett Theatre
Over a century ago, Arthur Schnitzler's play, Reigen, ignited conversation, prompting both public outrage and support. Steven Dietz's adaptation of Schnitzler's story continues to hold today's audience rapt as the narrative intertwines pairs of lovers and their encounters.
Steven Dietz is one of the most produced playwrights in America, recently placing eighth on the list of the Top Ten Most Produced Playwrights in America.
The Transition of Doodle Pequeño
By Gabriel Jason Dean
Directed by Steven Wilson
November 30 - December 3, 2011
Oscar G. Brockett Theatre
It's Halloween and Doodle is the new kid in the neighborhood. Accompanied by his imaginary goat, Doodle befriends Reno, a boy who likes to wear tutus and is unpopular with the neighborhood kids. A play for all ages, The Transition of Doodle Pequeño relates the universal themes of identity, friendship and acceptance.
Fall For Dance
Artistic Directors David Justin and Yacov Sharir
December 2 - 3, 2011
B. Iden Payne Theatre
Dynamic choreography presented by the department's award-winning dance troupe, Dance Repertory Theatre. The performances are FREE and open to the public.
Curtain Up!
December 8 - 9
Lab Theatre
An Evening of Broadway Showstoppers! The performances are FREE and open to the public.