UM Theatre & Dance 2012-2013 Season Series
The Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman, Masquer Theatre, October 2-6, 9-13, 2012, 7:30 PM. Poetic, stylized, erotic, and funny, this exuberantly theatrical twist on the ancient legend of Scheherazade and King Shahryar brings action, mystery, and romance to life in vivid and unique ways, resulting in a powerful ode to the riches that can be mined from narrative tradition.
Schools of Music and Theatre & Dance present Fiddler on the Roof by Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), Joseph Stein (book), Montana Theatre, November 7-10, 13-17, 2012, 7:30 PM, and Matinees November 10-11 and 18 at 2:00 PM. One of Broadway’s best-loved and longest-running musicals, Fiddler on the Roof is an unforgettable blend of song, story, and spectacle. Patriarch Tevye struggles to impress the importance of tradition on his strong-willed daughters despite the seismic changes faced by his village and his heritage with the dawn of the twentieth century and the Russian Revolution.
Montana Repertory Theatre presents Biloxi Blues by Neil Simon, Montana Theatre, January 26, 29-31, February 2, 2013, 7:30 PM, and Saturday Matinee on January 26 at 2:00 PM. Montana Repertory Theatre is very fortunate and proud to once again bring Neil Simon to its national audience with one of his masterpieces. Biloxi Blues is a comedy about young men going off to war: universal soldiers facing the same fears, anxieties, and loneliness that grip all young recruits about to encounter the ultimate test of combat. The renowned playwright brings his great sense of humor and humanity to every word of this magnificent play.
Jumping into Fire, A Chinese Tale for All Ages devised by Jillian Campana and Ensemble, Masquer Theatre, February 26 – March 2, 5-9, 2013, 7:30 PM. The Emperor summons an official to his palace in the Forbidden City and charges the man with an impossible task. When the man’s daughter realizes how difficult the task will be, she embarks upon a courageous journey to help him. This ancient folk tale, now an original piece of theatre, examines the principles of cooperation, devotion, and sacrifice while transporting audiences to the Ming Dynasty that existed in China over 500 years ago.
Pentecost by David Edgar, Montana Theatre, March 19-23, 26-30, 2013, 7:30 PM. Pentecost overflows with timely themes and meditations on national pride, terrorism, exploitation of culture, religion, and language. The discovery of a fresco on the wall of a church located in an unnamed Southeastern European town could prove to wholly reorder the entirety of art history. Pentecost’s thrilling dialogue and challenging issues, not to mention the fate of the fresco, will leave audiences with unforgettable images and arguments.
The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare, Masquer Theatre, April 30 – May 4, 7-11, 2013, 7:30 PM. Shakespeare’s most outrageous farce remains the quintessential play about mistaken identity: not one, but two sets of twins separated at birth unwittingly converge upon a coastal town. Wordplay and slapstick abound when appearances deceive companions and family alike; before long, everyone questions his own sanity. A furiously funny day of confusion results in classically dramatic revelations and a hilarious happy ending.
Dance in Concert, Montana Theatre, May 8-11, 2013, 7:30 PM. Our popular annual concert celebrates the culminating choreographic work of students, faculty, and guest artists. This extravaganza features inventive and thought-provoking works that have been selected to provide an evening of dance that is beautifully performed, exquisitely crafted, and provides out audiences with a rich feast of choreographic invention.