Richland College reveals 2008-2009 theatre season

by Shawn Parikh

The good thing about college theater departments is how eclectic their seasons can be. Richland College is proving this with their next schoolyear that will perform everything from Shakespeare to a classic musical. All performances are free but reservations are still encouraged by calling 972-238-3733. Make sure to check it out:

• Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. From October 15 - 18 in the Performance Hall. Petruchio, marries an outspoken, intelligent, and bad-tempered shrew named Katherina. Petruchio manipulates and "tames" her until she is obedient to his will.
• Plaza Suite by Neil Simon. From November 21 - 22 in the Arena Theater. This is three stories that all take place in the same suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Each story deals with situations that have our main characters facing crucial issues in their lives. The first story deals with a couple married 22 years as they prepare to celebrate the anniversary of their wedding night in Suite 719 at The Plaza. The second scene deals with a Hollywood producer who has called his old flame while he is in New York in hopes of rekindling what they had and adding some normalcy to his warped "Show-Biz" life. The third story deals with Roy and Norma, somewhat normal and typical parents on their daughter's wedding day, nervous and worried about expense (in particular Roy) on this special day.
• War of the Worlds - Radio Show. At the end of October.
• Mischief and Mayhem on December 1 in the Arena Theater. An Evening of Improv for adults only.
• Fiddler on the Roof by Bock , Harnick & Stein. From March 4 - 7 in the Performance Hall. The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. He must cope with both the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters—each daughter's choice of husband moves progressively further away from established customs—and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village.
• Charlotte's Web based on the novel by E.B. White. From April 23 - 25 in the Arena Theater. About friendship between a girl named Fern and a pig named Wilbur. The story begins as Wilbur is born the runt of the litter. Fern's father, Mr. Arable, decides to end the pig's life as he would cost too much to raise. His daughter, Fern, is horrified by the fact that Wilbur might die so she begs her father to allow her to raise Wilbur. Mr. Arable gives in to to Fern until Wilbur gets too big and then he is moved to the Zuckerman's farm. Fern visits Wilbur every day at the Zuckerman's. It is at this farm where most of the magic of the story takes place. The many animals that are the cast of characters in this story come alive in their attempt to save Wilbur from the inevitable end of being served as someone's dinner.
• Radio Show. TBA.
• Mischief and Mayhem on May 4 in the Arena Theater. An Evening of Improv for adults only.