NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
5/30/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - The Northwestern Summer Dinner Theatre hasn’t quite gone to the dogs, but it is presenting plays that will appeal to the canine lover or anyone who enjoys a good play.
This summer’s plays are “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” on June 11-14 and 18-21 at 6 p.m. and the comedy on “Sylvia” on July 30 – Aug. 2 and Aug. 6-9 at 6 p.m. Both plays will be in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Tickets are $25 for dinner and the show.
There will be a children’s performance of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” on June 11-14 and 18-21 at 1 p.m. An original play for children “Dog Tales” by Coordinator of Theatre/Artistic Director Scott Burrell will be presented July 31-Aug. 2 and Aug. 7-9 at 1 p.m. Tickets for each children’s show are $4.
“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” will be directed by Barry Stoneking with musical direction by Michael Rorex and is based on Charles M. Schultz’s comic strip “Peanuts.” Book, music and lyrics are by Clark M. Gesner. The play gives us a peek into the lives of the “Peanuts” gang by exploring an average day in the life of Charlie Brown.
“The play brings the comic strip to life,” said Stoneking. “It has many of the characters with some good songs and dancing.”
“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” is appropriate for all ages.
“Sylvia” will be directed by Wm. Perry Morgan. The play by A.R. Gurney is a modern romantic comedy about marriage and a dog. Sylvia, a street smart mix of lab and poodle, becomes a bone of contention between husband Greg and wife Kate. The dog offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the uncertainty of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. Sylvia thinks Kate doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog.
“This play is a tender, loving look at how a dog affects people’s lives,” said Morgan. “The dog talks, plays piano and has conversations with the husband and wife. They are treated like a human.”
The play is appropriate for audiences 13 and up.
The Northwestern Theatre is encouraging audiences to support the Natchitoches Animal Shelter by bringing a donation of dog food or a cash donation to the show. Donations will be accepted at all summer shows.
For ticket reservations, call (318) 357-4483.
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