Friday, September 09, 2016

The UNCW Department of Theatre will open its 2016-17 season with “Punk Rock,” Sept. 22-25 and Sept. 29-Oct. 2. Based on the playwright Simon Stephens’ experience as a teacher, the play explores the underlying tensions and potential violence a group of educated, 17-year-old English students face as they plan for college and the rest of their lives. Directed by UNCW associate professor Anne Berkeley, this play has strong language, adult situations and is not recommended for young children.

The second play of the season, “Beauty and The Beast,” runs Nov. 11-13 and 18-20. This is not the popular Disney version, but one adapted from the French original “La Belle et la Bête.” The theft of a single rose has monstrous consequences for Beauty and her father, because this is no ordinary rose. Narrated by a pair of mischievous fairies, a very helpful rabbit and a “thoughtsnatcher” machine, this timeless story of love is sure to surprise, delight and enchant. Directed by UNCW assistant professor Christopher Marino, there are special times and matinees for this family-friendly show.

Next in the lineup is “Boeing Boeing,” which runs Feb. 16-19 and Feb. 23-26. Set in the 1960s, swinging bachelor Bernard lives in a flat in Paris and is engaged to three different, but equally gorgeous stewardesses. His situation gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new and speedy Boeing jet throws off all his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town at the same time and catastrophe looms. Written by Marc Camoletti and directed by UNCW assistant professor Ed Wagenseller.

The 2016-17 season concludes with “The Children's Hour,” running March 30-April 2 and April 6-9. Written in 1934 by Lillian Hellman, the story is one of a young female at an all-girl's boarding school who makes an accusation that plays on the fears of society, leading an otherwise loving community to judge, shame and isolate those deemed guilty of immoral sexual behavior. Directed by UNCW assistant professor Robin Post.

All shows will take place at the Mainstage Theatre in the UNCW Cultural Arts Building. Tickets are $15 for the general public; $12 for seniors, UNCW employees and alumni, and $6 for students (sales tax included). They are available at the Kenan Box Office, by calling 910.962.3500 or online. They can also be purchased in person one hour prior to each show.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., except for “Beauty and the Beast.” Times and dates for that production are: 
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 & 18
2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 & 19 & Sunday, Nov. 13
2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20

--Caroline Cropp
#CAS