June 23, 2005

'Broadway Babies' highlights Summerfest

By Judy Moore

The world premiere of a new musical revue, a classic drama, a Broadway musical comedy, a children’s play, a revue of classic and new Broadway tunes, and a special one night salute to legendary Broadway composer and lyrist Jerry Herman are all part of Northwestern Summerfest 2005.

All summer theatre productions will be held in venues on the University’s Evanston campus.

The “Summerfest 2005” season begins with the world premiere of “Five to Nine,” a musical revue with music and lyrics by alumnus Michael Mahler. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. June 24; 2 and 8 p.m. June 25; and 2 p.m. June 26, at the Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Drive. “Five to Nine” takes a candid look at the foibles of growing up, romance and career aspirations. During his student years, Mahler, a composer and Sarah Siddons award recipient, had more than 35 of his songs featured in Northwestern’s annual Waa-Mu Shows. He also appeared in a number of Northwestern productions. The show features members of Northwestern’s Music Theatre Program. All reserved seats are $20.

Actress Mary Poole, a theatre faculty member, will be featured as the eccentric, private and endearing Emily Dickinson in “The Belle of Amherst,” a Tony Award-winning one-woman play by William Luce, which will be directed by theatre faculty member James Coakley.

Luce’s play draws heavily on the poems, letters and first hand accounts of Emily Dickinson to sculpt an inspiring and truthful biography.

The Broadway musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress” is a whimsical retelling of the classic “The Princess and the Pea.” 

“Once Upon a Mattress” follows the adventures of a potential princess — including a test she must take to prove she is dainty enough to be worthy of marriage to a prince. The production will be directed by theatre faculty member Rives Collins.

A special July 21 event held in conjunction with the League of Chicago Theatres includes a 7 p.m. pre-show reception and a post-show discussion with “Once Upon a Mattress” cast members.

Produced in conjunction with Chicago Theatre for Young Audiences, children’s author Roald Dahl’s “Big Friendly Giant” is geared for the very small and the very tall. It has been adapted for the stage by David Wood and directed by David Saar.

The play focuses on Sophie, a young orphan who is stolen in the night and taken to a distant land where she meets a friendly giant. She is soon caught up in a world where most giants dine on humans, store their dreams in jars, and use words that aren’t always what they seem. It is an adventure of good versus evil.

Dominic Missimi, director of music theatre, will direct an energetic musical revue of the best Broadway has to offer called “Broadway Babies.”

The production features classic tunes and contemporary hits performed by members of the University’s Musical Theatre Program.

Summerfest 2005 also includes a special one-night event, “Hello, Jerry!” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3, at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.

The show salutes the music and lyrics of Jerry Herman, a legendary Broadway composer and lyricist.

Schedule

“Five to Nine”
2 and 8 p.m. June 24-26
Louis Theatre

“The Belle of Amherst”
2 and 8 p.m. July 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24
Wallis Theatre

“Once Upon a Mattress”
2 and 8 p.m. July 15-17, 21-24, 29-31, Aug. 5-7, 12-14
Barber Theatre

“Big Friendly Giant”
2 and 8 p.m. July 23-24, 27-31
Cahn Auditorium

“Hello, Jerry”
7:30 p.m. Aug. 3
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

“Broadway Babies”
8 p.m. Aug. 8-9
Barber Theatre