Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Richardson Theatre Centre reveals 2008 season

By Shawn Parikh

Richardson Theatre Centre has announced the six new shows to be included in their 2008 season, and it looks like that there is something for everyone, whether it be musicals, murder mysteriess, or comedies. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m. Season tickets are now on sale for $85-100 by calling 972-699-1130, or you can download an order form and mail it to Richardson Theatre Center, 2701 North Custer Road, Richardson, 75080. Here is lineup for their next year:

• The Odd Couple (female version), by Neil Simon. From January 25 to February 16. Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon's hilarious contemporary comic classic look at life from the female point of view. Instead of a poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. Also the Pigeon Sister have been replaced by the hilarious Constanzuela brothers. The play begins with a group of friends assemble for Trivial Pursuit in the apartment of Olive Madison. The apartment mess is a good indication why her husband left her years earlier. Late to arrive is Florence Unger who just became separated from her husband. They fear that she might commit suicide. As life would have it, the slob Olive and the neat Florence decide to move in together - with comic results. The patterns of the own disastrous marriages begin to reappear in this new arrangement.
• Blame It On The Movies!, lyrics and music by Billy Barnes. Musical Sequences complied and conceived by David Galligan and Ron Abel. From March 7 to April 5. The sound of movies is saluted in this cheerful musical cavalcade of wonderful songs and themes from the world's favorite films. Fresh and fast-paced, "Blame It On The Movies!" is a nostalgic treat that covers more ground than your average Friday night at the karaoke bar, featuring unforgettable tunes from "The Wizard of Oz," "Meet Me In St. Louis," "The Pink Panther," Rocky," "Psycho," "Jaws," "Gone With The Wind," "Goldfinger," "The Color Purple," "Footloose" and countless others, this fun-filled homage to movie music musicals, screwball comedies, shoot-em-up westerns, sizzling screen romances, thrillers, action-adventure flicks, and historical epics. It's the perfect celebration of the silver screen - onstage, live and in person - and a great way to get some of those movie-buffs back into the theatre. So serve up the pop-corn, sit back and enjoy.
• Gaslight, by Patrick Hamilton. From May 9 to May 31. Gaslight is a Broadway masterpiece with some of the most brilliant suspense in the modern theatre. All appears to be peaceful, however, it is soon apparent that Manningham, a suavely sinister and handsome man, is slowly torturing his gentle, lovely wife into insanity under the guise of kindness. While he is out, Mrs. Manningham has an unexpected caller from Scotland Yard who is convinced that Manningham is a maniacal criminal wanted for a murder committed fifteen years ago in the same house. The secret of the dimming gaslight and the mystery of the hidden rubies will captivate all.
• Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. From July 11 to August 2. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams and is his father's favorite son. When sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in this his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. He is purchased by Potiphar and thwarting advances from Potiphar's wife lands him in jail. When news of Joseph's gift to interpret dreams reaches the Pharaoh (wryly and riotously depicted as Elvis) Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, unknowingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed by no longer recognize. After testing their integrity Joseph reveals himself leading to a heartfelt reconciliation of the sons of Israel. 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 as both timely and timeless.
• The Hollow, by Agatha Christie. From September 5 to October 4. An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow is at the center of the trouble: Henrietta, his mistress; Veronica, his ex-mistress; and Gerda, his wife, are all at The Hollow. Also visiting are Edward (who is in love with Henrietta) and Midge (who loves Edward). Veronica ardently desires to marry Cristow and succeeds in re-opening their affair but is unable to get him to divorce his wife. Veronica unwisely state that is she cannot have him no one shall. Within five minutes Cristow is dead. Nearly everyone has a motive and most had opportunity. Enter Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny to solve the crime. A classic suspenseful who-done-it!
• Nuncrackers, by Dan Goggin. From November 14 to December 13. The Nunsense Christmas Musical, Nuncrackers, is presented as the first TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement. It stars the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil, and four of the Mount Saint Helen's most talented students. Featuring all new songs including Twelve Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain't Coming to Our House, We Three Kings of Orient Are Us, and It's Better to Give than to Receive, this show is filled with typical Nunsense humor, some of your favorite carols and a "Secret Santa" audience participation. We're certain this Nunsense Christmas Show will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heartstrings. It's the perfect way to enure that your holiday season is merry and bright.

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