Lipscomb's director of theater rolls out new season
Chris Pepple |
When the doors open for the first performance of Lipscomb’s new theater season, patrons will know they are in for a treat. Director Mike Fernandez promises a renewed excitement for the Lipscomb stage starting with the opportunity to hear Andrew Lloyd Weber’s music in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The entire season promises to enrich our student performers and delight audiences of all ages.
“Being an Abilene, Texas, boy born and bred, I questioned whether or not anything could draw me away from the friends, family and work at Abilene Christian University that I held so dear. However, all it took was one visit to realize what a gem Nashville has in Lipscomb University. I became aware of a community of people that have a passion for doing God’s work. I also became aware of a program known for quality productions, talented students and an excellent educational theater program,” said Mike Fernandez, director of theater at Lipscomb.
“Needless to say, my wife Mindy and I were swept off our feet and are honored to join the Lipscomb family. As we look to the upcoming year, it will be a time of change. As with any change done well, we will seek to honor the accomplishments of the past while looking for innovative and inspiring ways to move into the future. At our core, we will hold tight to the tradition of serving the call to be believer artists who seek to have a positive influence on the world around us. We want to nurture the next generation of artists of faith so they can be leaders in the entertainment world. It is also my hope to help build an exciting theater known for quality productions that entertain as well as challenge the community by being present, cognizant and relevant,” added Fernandez.
The entire staff of the theater department has worked to put together an exceptional lineup for the new season:
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Director: Mike Fernandez
Where: Collins Auditorium
When: October 10th and 11th 7:30 pm, October 12th 2pm
Student Showcase
Shorts!
Directors: Directing Students
Where: Shamblin Theatre
When: December 5th and 6th 7:30 pm
Theater for Young Audiences
The Enchanted Attic
Director: Deb Holloway
Where: Collins Auditorium
When: February 12th and 13th (Elementary Performances)
February 14th (Church Matinee) 2 pm, February 14th (General Seating) 7 pm
Spring Dessert Theatre
Barefoot in the Park
Director: Mike Fernandez
Where: Shamblin Theatre
When: April 2-4, 9-11 7:30 pm
“Theater can unapologetically show us this world at its worst, but it can also provide a source of rejuvenation by showing us humanity at its best. It will take dedication and hard work to fulfill this vision of training artists of faith who can have a positive influence on the world around us, and we are ready the challenge. We are asking you to be a part of our vision. Come see the shows, take advantage of our season ticket packages, and donate to help support the work of nurturing the next generation of believer artists. Join us, and be transformed!” said Fernandez.
Don’t miss Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
A cast of almost 50 students and guest artists, including a children’s choir, will bring the Biblical story of Joseph and his “coat of many colors” to life with all the same spectacle and spirit of the original production which has been staged all around the world. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.
Just as the Biblical Joseph experienced a new beginning when he was plucked from prison to be Pharaoh’s second-in command, the stage version of Joseph marks a new beginning for Lipscomb’s theater program, which has doubled its staff, hired a new director, and will present the show in the newly renovated Collins Alumni Auditorium, now with a larger stage and brand new seats.
The title character will be played by New York City-based guest artist Andrew Young, who has appeared in Fame and The Dining Room at the Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee, Pa., Kiss Me Kate, Godspell and Guys and Dolls in Texas. The cast has worked with New York City choreographer Justin Boccito.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 10-11, and at 2 p.m., Oct. 12, in Collins Alumni Auditorium on the Lipscomb campus. Cost to attend is $15 for adults and $5 for students.
To order tickets, contact the Lipscomb theater box office at 615.966.7111. Tickets can be purchased in person at the theater box office in University Theater, in the basement of Sewell Hall.
Special Preview at “Student Rush Night”
Thursday, Oct. 9 is Student Rush Night, when all high school and college students are invited to attend a 7:30 p.m. “sneak peek” performance of the play for $5. This performance will feature a 10-minute introduction to the Biblical story of Joseph by Terry Briley, dean of the Lipscomb College of Bible.
To order tickets, contact the Lipscomb theater box office, located in the University Theater, at 615.966.7111.
Local deaf community invited to preview
Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., is also a special night for the deaf community in Nashville, as the entire performance will be interpreted in sign language. The cost for deaf patrons is also $5.
To order tickets, contact the Lipscomb theater box office, located in the University Theater, at 615.966.7111.
Season tickets to Lipscomb theater
Lipscomb University is offering season ticket packages for the four performances in the 2008-09 theater season: October’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ($15), December’s student-directed one-acts billed as Shorts! ($5), February’s The Enchanted Attic ($5), and April’s Barefoot in the Park ($15 with dessert reception).
The Opening Night season ticket package offers tickets for opening night performances of three of the four shows (including the Barefoot in the Park dessert reception) for a total of $20.
The Aficionado season ticket package offers tickets for any performance of all four shows as well as admittance to pre-show lectures and post-show dialogues for a total of $25. Both season ticket packages provide a $15 savings over the course of the season.
To order tickets, contact the Lipscomb theater box office, located in the University Theater, at 615.966.7111.