Theater-by-the-Grove 2008–09 Mainstage Season
Violet Sharp
by William Cameron
Directed by Barb Blackledge
- October 2–4 and 8–11: 7:00 p.m.
- October 5: 2:00 p.m.
Waller Hall Mainstage
Violet Sharp is set against the backdrop of one of America's most notorious crimes—the 1932 Lindbergh kidnapping case. Winner of the 2006 Julie Harris Playwright Award, Violet Sharp is about a twenty-seven-year-old domestic servant of Charles Lindbergh's family that is suspected of kidnapping the Lindbergh's infant son. Having initially lied to the police as to her whereabouts on the night of the crime, Violet strives to clear her name but only manages to strengthen the perception that she is guilty. As the police rigorously pursue a confession, it becomes clear that Violet is being pursued just as fervently by her own personal demons. This play contains strong situations to which some audience members may object and which may not be appropriate for children.
Babes in Toyland
By Victor Herbert and Glen MacDonough
Choreographed by Joan Van Dyke and Holly Boda-Sutton
- October 24 and 25: 7:00 p.m.
- October 26: 2:00 p.m.
Zink Hall Dance Theater
Performed by the IUP Dance Theater with the Mahoning Valley Ballet
Based on the musical of the same name, IUP Dance Theater is joined by Mahoning Valley Ballet to bring Mother Goose Village to life. Follow the adventures of Tom Piper, Mary Contrary, and all the nursery rhyme characters as they struggle to save Mother Goose Village from the clutches of Barnaby and his dastardly minions. Audiences will be enthralled by the dancing, the costumes, and the music, including dances to the signature tunes of “Toyland” and “March of the Toys.”
Picnic
By William Inge
Directed by Jason Chimonides
- November 6–8 and 12–15: 7:00 p.m.
- November 9: 2:00 p.m.
Waller Hall Mainstage, Performing Arts Center
The luxury of beauty—its advantages and its consequences—are two of the many conflicts that take hold in this popular, Pulitzer Prize-winning story. Picnic presents a love triangle involving the beautiful Madge; her not-so-attractive sister, Millie; and the nomadic, charismatic, and mysterious Hal. Things begin to unravel when a wealthy suitor, Alan, wants to marry Madge and forces her to choose between her mother's hopes for a secure life with Alan or her own affection for Hal. This play contains strong situations to which some audience members may object and which may not be appropriate for children.
Anything Goes
By Cole Porter
Directed by Rob Gretta; Music Direction by Sarah Mantel; Choreography by Joan Van Dyke; Conducted by Keith Young
- February 18–20: 7:00 p.m.
- February 21: 2:00 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Performing Arts Center
A coproduction of IUP Music Theater and Theater-by-the-Grove
Through a twisted set of scenarios, confused identities, mismatched lovers, and super-sized characters, this fast-paced farce of a musical embarks on a path of true hijinks and adventure. Set on and below the deck of a luxury ocean liner, a young, love-sick, Wall Street broker stows away on the S.S. American in hopes of winning the heart of his beloved. In addition to its title song, this one-of-a-kind family American musical classic includes such mega-hits as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Take Me Back to Manhattan,” and “You're the Top.” The newly-renovated Fisher Auditorium offers the perfect setting as Music Theater and Theater-by-the-Grove return with this period musical romp.
An Evening of Dance and Percusssion
Directed by Holly Boda-Sutton and Michael Kingan
- March 28: 7:00 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Performing Arts Center
A coproduction of the IUP Dance Theater and the IUP Percussion Ensemble
In a one-night-only performance, this unique presentation takes on a different beat as the two groups explore the music and dance of different cultures and genres. After a three-year absence due to the renovations in Fisher Auditorium, this always-rousing and always-unpredictable evening is an exceptional program that unites the overwhelming talents of two of the university's most popular and engaging performance ensembles.
Boys' Life
By Howard Korder
Directed by Rick Kemp
- April 16–18 and 22–25: 7:00 p.m.
- April 19: 2:00 p.m.
Waller Hall Mainstage
Boys' Life is a bitingly funny postmodern comedy of manners following three former college buddies now seeking to make their way in the big city and with various women of their acquaintance. In a series of fast-paced, sharply etched scenes, the play uncovers the drives, pretensions, and fears of Jack, Phil, and Don. In the end, it is made hilariously clear that it is actually the women who possess the qualities to which they lay claim. This play contains language and situations to which some audience members may object and is not considered appropriate for children.
Theater-by-the-Grove Spring 2009 Acorn Project Schedule
Vanities
By Jack Heifner
Directed by Vikki Marcocelli
- January 30-31: 7:00 p.m.
Waller Hall Studio Theater
The production centers around the lives of three small-town girls in the 1960s and 1970s, from friendship in their cheerleader years in high school through college sororities and later adulthood.