New Subscription Plan Among Highlights of 2006-2007 Theatre Season

Date: 8/1/06
Contact: Marc Lebovitz

More people than ever will be able to enjoy Illinois State University School of Theatre productions in 2006-2007 thanks to a new MainStage subscription plan that saves subscribers up to 40 percent on their tickets.

In addition, this year's production lineup is especially noteworthy because it includes "Othello's Passion: A Kabuki Play," directed by internationally renowned Japanese master of Zen arts and theatre director Shozo Sato. Sato, who has received international recognition for creating a new form of Kabuki which adapts the plots of well-known Western classics to a new genre in the conventions of Kabuki. He auditioned students for the play in April and will return in September to begin the six-week rehearsal period for the Nov. 8 opening.

"Othello's Passion: A Kabuki Play" will be a production of the School of Theatre and Crossroads Theatre, a multicultural theatre organization within Theatre that encourages and explores performances that address the issues and experiences of ethnic minorities in the United States and the experiences of international cultures.

The MainStage season will close in April with the Leonard Bernstein classic, "West Side Story." Other plays included in the four play, two dance concert subscription are "Romeo and Juliet" in October and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" in February. The fall dance concert will be in December and the spring dance concert in May.

Subscribers will be mailed a subscription card and be able to make reservations at their convenience, with their seat guaranteed up to three days prior to the show's opening.

Prices for MainStage subscriptions are $45 for adults, $38 for ISU faculty and staff, $34 for senior citizens and $20 for students. The student price reflects a 60 percent savings over purchasing individual tickets. The Center for the Performing Arts box office will open on Monday, Aug. 28, from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays. The box office phone number is (309) 438-2535.

School of Theatre productions in Westhoff Theatre for 2006-2007 are "Ring Around The Moon" Sept. 29 to Oct. 7; "The Blue Bird" Oct. 25 to 29; "Hopeless Spinning" Dec. 1 to 8; "Nickel and Dimed" Feb. 28 to March 4; "Vinegar Tom" March 28 to April 1; and "Our Town" April 27 to May 5.