Monday, July 7, 2008

Music Theatre of Denton announces 2008-2009 season

By Shawn Parikh

Music Theatre of Denton only performs three shows a season, but they always have a good lineup. Shows are performed at the Campus Theatre in Denton and here is what will be coming in the next year:

• AIDA on October 1-12 & 17-19. Book by Linda Wollverton, Robert Falls, and David Henry Hwang, Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice. A fresh take on one of classical oper's grandest tales; Aida's story offers passion and intrigue amidst cultural clashes of ancient Egypt and today! Ultimately, love transcends bitter divisions between nations and results in a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. The eclectic score features pop-rock ballads and tremendous chorus numbers by music icon, Sir Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. AIDA won 5 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score.
• Company on February 20-22, 27,28 & March 1, 2009. Book by George Furth, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Company" was the first to tell a story using a series of episodes in place of a linear plot. Five couples and their mutual bachelor friend, Robert, sing their way through various stages of commitment. From the bachelor's perspective, committing to another person is tempting but terrifying. Sondheim's music stays with you even after you leave the theatre. His songs offer beautiful melodies that tear at your composure and clever lyrics that are often poignant and always insightful.
• Crazy For You on May 1-3 & 8-10, 2009. Book by Ken Ludwig, Music by George Gershwin, Lyrics by Ira Gershwin. This is the "perfect" musical comedy - one where everybody sings, everybody dances and where anything on hand is used to make music. Adapted from the Gershwin 1930's musical, Girl Crazy, the new version includes high energy characters, outrageously funny humor and one of the best musical scores of the century - who could ask for anything more? Crazy For You uses seven great tunes from Girl Crazy including "Bidin' My Time," "Embraceable You," "I Got Rhythm," and "But Not for Me" and thirteen additional songs from other Gershwin works. One of Broadway's greatest hits, Crazy For You was awarded 3 Tonys.

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