NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

8/19/2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Classic and contemporary offerings ranging from Shakespeare to the latest Broadway fare will be presented during the NSU Theatre's 2002-2003 season, according to Northwestern Coordinator of Theatre Dr. Jack Wann.

"Our main objective each year is what we call 'raising the stakes.' Each season, we provide growth through new challenges," said Wann. "We try to have an educational aspect and are doing it more this season as measured by the number of school outreach programs. Several of the plays deal with prejudicial thinking."

The season opens Oct. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium with Shakespeare's comic tour de force "Twelfth Night." This outrageous romp of mistaken identity will be directed by Wann and will include daytime performances for area schoolchildren.

The first Loft production will be Neil Simon's Interpretation of several Chekhov's stories. The production on Nov. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. will have a comic emphasis. Dr. Vicki Parrish will direct. Loft shows are in Room 209 of the Old Wing of the A.A. Fredericks Center for Creative and Performing Arts.

On Nov. 14-22, the NSU Theatre will produce "The Laramie Project," a controversial play about prejudice and murder in a small Wyoming town. Scott Burrell will direct. "The Laramie Project" will be in Theatre West with showtime at 7:30 p.m. each evening.

"There were two versions of this story on television that many people may have seen," said Wann. "It is done in documentary style which is very challenging for the actors who have to play different parts and look at situations from several different roles."

In the spring semester, "To Kill a Mockingbird," will be presented Feb. 19-28 at 7:30 p.m. in Theatre West. Parrish will direct. There will also be outreach performances for school audiences.

The Loft Theatre will perform "Angel Street" April 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. with Wann directing. This thriller was made into the film "Gaslight."

The final show is a major contemporary musical, "Parade," with music by Jason Robert Brown. "Parade" tells the story of an outsider who is blamed for a brutal murder in Marietta, Ga. The show will be directed by Burrell with musical direction by Mollye Otis. "Parade" will be performed April 26-29 at 7:30 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.

'"Parade' enters a new realm in musical theatre," said Wann. "It is a beautifully written musical but is issue based with a strong message. The audience will enjoy singing the songs. It will be new, challenging and exciting."

Wann will also lead his annual trip to New York during the week of Thanksgiving. The theatre program will also participate in the annual Christmas Gala on Dec. 6. Dance and musical theatre students will provide entertainment during the annual Miss Northwestern ­ Lady of the Bracelet Pageant Feb. 7.

For more information, call (318) 357-6891.

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