Three plays set for ECU summer theatre series
The ECU School of Theatre and Dance has a busy performance schedule planned for this summer. Students will perform three plays in four different locations beginning in late June as part of the ECU/Loessin Playhouse.
The series begins at ECU with performances at the Burnette Studio Theatre in the Messick Theatre Arts Center of “Collision Course: a 60s Retro,” “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder and “Seven in One Blow” by Randy Sharp and Axis Company.
After performing June 20-23 at ECU, the students will hit the road to take their productions to Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, the Cullman Performance Center at Tryon Palace in New Bern and the Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro, according to Jeff Woodruff, managing director of the ECU/Loessin Playhouse.
Moving the productions to different theaters gives the students valuable experience, Woodruff said.
“Performing the same material in different venues is much like boating in different waters,” he said. “You know your own boat, what equipment is on board, and how she handles. You also know your own waters, where the hazards are, and how deep the water is.
“Boating in unfamiliar waters sharpens the senses, keeps one from becoming complacent, compels you to use familiar equipment in new ways, and makes for an all-around better boater/actor.”
“Collision Course” is described as a stunning collection of short plans written by several 1960s-era playwrights before they became major forces in American theater. Included in the production will be works by Lanford Wilson, Terrance McNally and Sam Shepard along with music from the era. The play will be performed at 8 p.m. June 20 and 22. The production includes a parental advisory.
The iconic play, “Our Town,” tells the story of young lovers whose life in a small New England town becomes a microcosm of everyday life. The wisdom of the play and the deceptively simple story makes this an enduring American treasure. It will be performed at 8 p.m. June 21 and 23.
“Seven in One Blow” is a children’s play based on a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. A child embarks on a journey where he learns you don’t always have to show how strong you are, that teasing hurts, and a parent’s love has no limits. It will be presented at 2 p.m. June 22 and 23.
Tickets are $15 for the public and $10 for youth. To purchase tickets, call 328-6829 or visit www.ECUARTS.com.
Performance times and ticket information for the other productions are available on the Summer Theatre website: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cfac/theatredance/productions/summertheatre.cfm
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