MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at 847-491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

June 22, 2004

Two Musicals on Tap at Summerfest

EVANSTON, Ill. --- This summer, the stage of Northwestern University’s Ethel M. Barber Theatre, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus, will be home to two musicals -- a Tony Award-winning show that first opened on Broadway in 1992 and the world premiere of a musical revue featuring the music of Stephen Flaherty and Stephen Schwartz.

Summerfest 2004, Northwestern’s summer theatre festival, begins July 9 with the opening of “Falsettos,” a musical by William Finn and James Lapine. The show follows the exploits of neurotic and sexually confused Marvin who decides to leave his wife and son and begin a new life with his friend Whizzer. Matters are complicated when he expects everyone to be one big happy family. While the musical deals with the early AIDS epidemic, the core of the story is about the changing face of the modern American family. It is filled with warmth, humor and the affirmation of life.

“’Falsettos’ is a reminder to stop for a moment and focus on and appreciate the ones that matter to us the most,” said Northwestern alumna Jessica Redish, who will direct the production. “Life is short.”

“Falsettos” will be performed at 8 p.m. July 9; 8 p.m. July 10; 2 p.m. July 11; 8 p.m. July 15; 8 p.m. July 16; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. July 17; 2 p.m. July 18; 8 p.m. July 22; 8 p.m. July 23; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. July 24; and 2 p.m. July 25.

“Even Stephen,” a new musical revue based on the music of Stephen Flaherty and Stephen Schwartz, opens July 30 and includes selections from their many hit Broadway shows including “Once On This Island,” “Ragtime” and Northwestern’s “A Long Gay Book.” Schwartz’s previous shows include “Pippin,” “Godspell” and “Wicked.” Theatre faculty member Dominic Missimi, who directed last summer’s hit musical revue “Pop-Sical!,” will direct the world premiere revue.

“Even Stephen” will be performed at 8 p.m. July 30; 8 p.m. July 31; 2 p.m. Aug. 1; 8 p.m. Aug. 6; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Aug. 7; 2 p.m. Aug. 8; 8 p.m. Aug. 12; 8 p.m. Aug. 13; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Aug. 14; and 2 p.m. Aug. 15.

A subscription that includes both shows is priced from $45 for the general public; $39 for Northwestern faculty and staff; and $20 for full-time students. Single ticket prices for each of the musicals are $25 for the general public; $22 for Northwestern faculty and staff and senior citizens; and $12 for full-time students. To order tickets by phone, call (847) 491-7282.