Theatre: 'Burial at Thebes' draws on Noh experience

The Burial at Thebes, a collaborative show featuring the Bloomsburg University Players and  Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble artists opens Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Alvina Krause Theatre, Center Street, Bloomsburg.

Written by Irish poet Seamus Heaney, “The Burial at Thebes” is a modern retelling of the legend of Antigone. This updated version focuses on a conflict between the daughter of the late King Oedipus and her father’s successor. The new king believes Antigone’s recently deceased brother was a traitor and refuses to honor his death, but Antigone defends her brother’s position as a brave warrior.

Showtimes are Wednesday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 13. Performances on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday will begin at 7:30 p.m., and the show on Sunday will start at 3 p.m. All performances will be held at the Alvina Krause Theatre, located at 226 Center Street in downtown Bloomsburg. Advance tickets are available at the Haas Center Box Office, which can be reached at (570) 389-4409. 

BU students involved in the production are:

•  Cast - Adriana Maritato, Ashley Montijo, Chris Tobias, Phil Czekner, Eddie Buck, Chelsea Lucas, Lauren Shover, Jaryn Wilcox, Ben Deivert, Dan Clark , Natasha Willis, Robert Pellechio, Gabriella Russo, Holli Trivelpiece, Sydney Hare, Courtney Costello, Brittany Harris, Donovan Krebs and Chanel Kantz. 
•  Crew - Rebecca Kestel, Sean (Dave) Kim, Adam Wilson, Jack Ward , Anthony Roslevich, Emily Miller, Megan Young, Mary Reinsburrow, Penelope Andrews, Rebecca Kestel, Sonya Anderson, Maya Anderson, Mary Heffner, Amaris Nieves, Nicky Patton, Adam Wilson, Ashley Montijo, Erin Posenna, Tasha Jenkin, Emily Miller and Chelsea Lucas. 
•  Also makeup designer Lauren Abbruzzese, lighting designer Joshua Curran, costume designer Megan Combs, property designer Rachel DelVecchio, assistant director Kaitlyn Ide and stage manager Liz Nugent. Additionally, visiting assistant professor of theatre David Dannenfelser is director for the performance and Karen Anselm, professor of theatre, worked on costume design.

The Noh Training Project, the only intensive Noh training program outside of Japan, brings together members of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and students at BU. Elizabeth Dowd, producing director of the project, acted as a consultant for the production and is responsible for much of the choreography in the show.

Last week for BTE's 'Ghost-Writer'

This is the last week to see the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble's Ghost-Writer. Not to be confused with a recent suspense film of a similar name ... the play is concerned with the power of the written work. Details here.

BU Players to present "Anton in Show Business"

The Bloomsburg University Players are presenting Anton in Show Business Wednesday, April 13, through Sunday, April 17, at Alvina Krause Theatre on Center Street in downtown Bloomsburg.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens.
Advance tickets are on sale at the Haas Center box office on BU's campus Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays until 7 p.m. Remaining tickets can be purchased at Alvina Krause an hour before showtime.

Written by Jane Martin, “Anton in Show Business” is a comedy based on three actresses who have been cast in an ill-fated production of Anton Chekhov’s play, “The Three Sisters.” The play looks at what it takes to produce classical theatre in a modern world and the madcap antics that ensue.

According to Ethan Krupp, assistant professor of music, theatre and dance, “The show is best described as an open love letter to theatre. It holds true to the notion that comic writers aren't frivolous; they just see the world through a funny lens. Theatre is a vehicle for emotion and comments on the human condition, and this play has it in spades. This play shows the lasting beauty and power of theatre in a world of sound bites, viral videos and 142-character updates on social media sites.”

The production is directed by Ingrid DeSanctis, assistant professor of music, theatre and dance.  The cast includes nine student actors: Jenny Hensley, Deanna Kremer, Candyce Musinski, Natasha Willis, Greg Hoagland, Richard Nazzarro, Keara Derr, Destiny Deater and Courtney Costello.

Spring Awakening at BU Friday

A new entry in the Rock Opera category is coming to BU Friday, April 8.

Music is by Grammy Award-winners Duncan Sheik (Barely Breathing) and Steven Sater. The show has won a cool eight Tony Awards, including 2007 musical of the year. The show, inspired by Frank Wedekind’s play that was banned for 100 years in Germany, remains controversial for its honest depiction of the issues of adolescence, including sexuality, independence and the fear of not measuring up. If you have children, call a sitter, this one's not for the kids. There will be a gallery talk an hour before curtain. Tickets are $30, the upper end of Celebrity Artist Series shows ... a fantastic bargain by Broadway standards.

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