Page 27 - Scene Magazine 41-06 June 2016

Local Interest
Barn Theatre Seventieth Anniversary Season!
BY PENELOPE RAgOTzY
The Barn Theatre, Michigan’s oldest professional summer theatre, under the ar- tistic leadership of Brendan Ragotzy, wel- comes you to enjoy the 70th Anniversary season of plays and musicals for the 2016 summer season at the landmark theatre.
The Barn Theatre, Michigan’s oldest resident summer stock theatre company, is pleased to announce that it continues to operate under the non-profit entity, the Barn Theatre School for Advanced The- atre Training and will further its mission of bringing professional, high quality the- atre to southwest Michigan while expand- ing its educational youth outreach and training programs. The very popular youth outreach, Backstage Xperience*, will be offered this season, once again, as well!
Coming this 70th season:
Buyer & Cellar (June 14-19). Did you know that Barbra Streisand has a mall in the basement of her Malibu man- sion? Alex More does and he has a sto- ry to tell! Scott Burkell stars as Alex, a struggling L.A. actor who finds himself with the odd job as her resident shop- keeper. In this outrageous comedy, he’ll take you on a rollercoaster ride of fame and friendship at the outer reaches of American celebrity.
Guys and Dolls (June 21-July 3). The dice are hot and the hijinks are high in this odds on favorite as Nathan Detroit bets fellow gambler Sky Masterson that he can’t make the next girl he sees fall in love with him. When the next girl he sees happens to be a pure-at-heart Salva- tion Army-type reformer, Masterson has his work cut out for him and the stage is set for a hilarious evening of complica- tions. The colorful characters and bright, brassy score, which includes Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat, Fugue For Tinhorns, Bushel and a Peck and Luck Be a Lady make Guys and Dolls a real winner for the whole family. *Backstage Xperience show.
Jesus Christ Superstar (July 5-17). A rock opera for the ages, this ground-breaking work by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice examines the last days of Jesus Christ through a decidedly contemporary lens. The zeal with which Christ’s followers are hail- ing him as the Son of God becomes a source of dismay to his disciple Judas Iscariot. Fearing that this tide of reli- gious fervor will provoke brutal repres- sion by the occupying Romans, Judas must make his fateful choice between faith and betrayal. The critically ac- claimed score includes Heaven on Their Minds, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, What’s the Buzz, Herod’s Song, and Superstar.
Disney’s The little Mermaid (July 19-31). Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beauti- ful love story for all ages. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. With its irresistible score, which includes Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Part of Your World this fishy fable is sure to capture the hearts of young and old!
*Backstage Xperience show.
The Rocky Horror Show (August 2-14). Let’s do the Time Warp again! The Rocky Horror Show is back with delicious, gender-bending abandon! One of the most popular shows we’ve ever produced, this all-new production promises a wickedly wayward evening that demands you check your old-fash- ioned assumptions at the door. Complete with sweet alien transvestites, killer rock music and outrageous humor, you won’t want to miss this night at the An- nual Transylvanian Convention! (Adult Themes, Situations, and Language)
Singing in the Rain (August 16-28). One of the greatest movie musicals of all time has been faithfully and loving- ly adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green from their original award-winning screenplay. All of the unforgettable scenes, songs, and dances come thrillingly to life, including the show-stopping title number, com- plete with an onstage rainstorm! Hilar- ious situations, snappy dialogue, and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin’ in the Rain the perfect en- tertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals.
*Backstage Xperience show.
Red, White and Tuna (August 30-September 4). Laughter has never been so patriotic as when two of our fa- vorite actors, Joe Aiello and Scott Bur- kell return to the Barn to create all of the lovable, eccentric and utterly hysterical characters living in Tuna, Texas. Dressed in their finest polyester ensembles, they prepare for the 4th of July Tuna High School Class reunion, setting the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!
The Barn Theatre is located on High- way M-96 between Augusta and Gales- burg. NEW PERFORMANCE SCHED- ULE – Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 5pm. Single tickets are $37. Group discounts available. Barn Theatre The Box Office is open daily 10am-10pm. For information call (269) 731-4121.
* ThE BACKSTAgE xPERIENCE: The Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theatre Training is proud to announce The Backstage Xperi- ence 2016 to be held in conjunction with the Barn Theatre performances of: GUYS & DOLLS June 23, 24, 29, 30, and July 1 and DISNEY’S THE
LITTLE MERMAID July 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and SINGIN IN THE RAIN August 18, 19, 24, 25, 26! Form your own group of four youth per every one chaperone, and don’t miss this amazingly fun, FREE educational opportunity! Email: BsX@barntheatreschool.org for more information.
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