April 5, 2006 | Arts

April 2006 Theatre/Dance Calendar

By Judy Moore

EVANSTON, Ill. --- This April, Northwestern University will stage performances of “The Reluctant Dragon” (April 7-9), a comedy for children and adults, and Irish dramatist George Bernard Shaw’s play “St. Joan” (April 21-30), inspired by the story of Joan of Arc.

The University also will present the 75th production of the Waa-Mu Show “Jubilee!” (April 28-May 7), a musical revue celebrating the diamond anniversary of the nation’s longest-running college revue.

For more information or to order single or group tickets by phone, call the Theatre and Interpretation Center Box Office at (847) 491-7282.

Online ticket sales for Mainstage productions also are available through TicketWeb.com by going to the Northwestern University Theatre and Interpretation Center Web site at http://www.tic.northwestern.edu/tickets.html and clicking the TicketWeb icon.

MAINSTAGE THEATRE

(NEW) “The Reluctant Dragon,” 8 p.m. Friday, April 7; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, April 8; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9, Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus. Adapted for the stage by Mary Hall Surface and based on the book by Kenneth Grahame, “The Reluctant Dragon” is a comedy set in medieval times about a dragon that lives in a cave near the town of Guildermere. The villagers blame the dragon for all of their troubles, even though the creature is peace loving, poetry spouting and prefers a cup to tea to fighting. Only a young boy named Glaston realizes the truth and befriends the dragon. Glaston shows what can happen when understanding and friendship save the day. Directed by Lynn Kelso, the production is recommended for children in kindergarten through 5th grade as well as adults. Tickets are $20 for the general public; $18 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $10 for students and children.

“Saint Joan,” 8 p.m. Friday, April 21; 8 p.m. Saturday, April 22; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23; 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 26; 8 p.m. Thursday, April 27; 8 p.m. Friday, April 28; 8 p.m. Saturday, April 29;

and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 30, Ethel M. Barber Theatre, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus. George Bernard Shaw reached the height of his fame as a dramatist with this classic work, considered his masterpiece. Fascinated with the story of Joan of Arc, Shaw felt unhappy with how she was depicted in history as a whitewashed heroine. He transformed Joan into a more realistic character, proud, intolerant, naïve, foolhardy and always brave, a rebel who challenged the conventions and values of her day. The production will be directed by Joanie Schultz. Tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $10 for students.

75th Waa-Mu Show, “Jubilee!” 8 p.m. Friday, April 28; 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29; 8 p.m. Saturday, April 29; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 30; 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3; 8 p.m. Thursday, May 4; 8 p.m. Friday, May 5; 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6; 8 p.m. Saturday, May 6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7, Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston campus. Under the direction of Dominic Missimi and the baton of Northwestern’s Director of Bands Mallory Thompson, “Jubilee!” the 75th installment of the “Waa-Mu Show,” will feature 75 years of musical numbers written by alumni and new songs and skits by Northwestern’s current crop of students. Thematically the show will celebrate the “special occasions” we all cherish -- holidays, birthdays, reunions and anniversaries. Tickets for all Tier 1 seats are $27; tickets for Tier 2 seats are $21 for the general public; $17 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $11 for students and children.

Northwestern University’s 2006 Waa-Mu Show “Jubilee!” Gala, 5:30 p.m. to midnight, Friday, April 28, Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Ave., and Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St, Evanston. An April 28 Waa-Mu Gala will celebrate the 75-year history of the country’s longest running student musical revue. The Gala package includes a pre-show reception and three-course dinner; a Wall of Fame ceremony honoring eight former Waa-Mu alumni who have contributed to the excellence of the show; and a post-performance dessert reception at the Orrington Hotel; a souvenir book; and a ticket to the opening night performance of the 2006 show “Jubilee!” at Cahn Auditorium. Black tie is optional. Tickets for the April 28 Gala and opening night performance package are $175.

The Gala and all Waa-Mu Show performances (April 28 to May 7) are open to the public.

To order tickets for the April 28 Gala or one of the 75th Anniversary Waa-Mu Shows, or for more information, call the Theatre and Interpretation Center Box Office at (847) 491-7282 or visit the Waa-Mu Web site at <www.waamu.northwestern.edu/2006>.