UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO COLORADO SPRINGS: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

University of Colorado Colorado Springs issued the following announcement on April 12.

The cast of “Oklahoma!” from the 2017-18 season. The musical was the first production at the new Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater at the Ent Center for the Arts. Photo by Isaiah J. Downing.

Timeless classics and contemporary works ranging from fun to thought-provoking will mark the upcoming 2018-19 season for Theatreworks as the professional company begins its first full season at the Ent Center for the Arts. The new season will open with an expanded Summer Shakespeare lineup with two productions at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.

“We are excited to start making new memories in the incredible, new Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater in the Ent Center for the Arts,” said Lynne Hastings, artistic producer, Theatreworks. “The 2018–19 season is one of the richest in our history, replete with laughter, love, and a bit of the supernatural! Theatreworks isn’t just about art, it’s also about community. The plays in our next season were chosen to push audiences to reflect on the world around us today and to become instruments of change. Whether it’s the American dream deferred; raw ambition that ultimately leads to paranoia and an abuse of power; women showing how strong they can be when they stand together; or looking back on where we came from to only realize that we really haven’t come all that far, we hope this season not only entertains, but also starts a conversation that lasts for many years to come.”

Subscriptions to the 2018–19 season are on sale now at theatreworksCS.org or through the UCCS Presents box office at (719) 255-3232. Patrons can save 10 percent on subscriptions made by April 20.

MAIN SEASON

Shakespeare at the Ranch, July 26-Aug. 26. – In honor of Theatreworks founder Murray Ross’ dream of a local Shakespeare festival, the popular Summer Shakespeare at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site will be expanded this year with two productions under one tent. In addition to two classic works, the tent will also house pop-up performances by summer camp students.

“Macbeth” – Something wicked this way comes…Shakespeare’s vivid tragedy Macbeth probes the depths of pure evil, blind ambition, and raw power. The play follows its titular character’s single-minded pursuit of the Scottish throne. Primitive forces of darkness, wind, fire, and the supernatural manifest as fog, thunder, lightning and rain contained in this outdoor tent under the stars — as much a sensory experience as a cerebral one.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” – A hysterical, madcap condensation of all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in under two hours, this audience favorite will delight Shakespeare novices and experts alike. It’s an irreverent, fast-paced rollercoaster of a play.

“A Raisin in the Sun,” Sept. 27-Oct. 21. – Lorraine Hansberry’s revelatory masterpiece edified her place in the civil rights movement and electrified generations of activists and artists alike. In a small tenement on Chicago’s South Side, a family awaits a check that will make all their dreams come true. Momma wants a nice house, Beneatha wants to go to medical school, and Walter Lee schemes to buy a liquor store. With gentrification happening in neighborhoods all around us, “Raisin” is as powerful — and timely — as it was in 1959.

“A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 29-Dec. 24 – An essential holiday classic—and back by popular demand—Theatreworks is proud to present Murray Ross’ 2016 adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” Based on Dickens’ classic novel, this joyous production traces money-hoarding Scrooge’s overnight journey to redemption and illuminates the true meaning of the holiday season.

New work by Idris Goodwin, Jan. 24-Feb. 10 – Commissioned by Theatreworks, this new work is a unique opportunity to witness the craft of award-winning playwright, rapper, essayist and poet Idris Goodwin. Idris is one of most dynamic and innovative playwrights in the country, with works that meld the stage with the streets. He recently accepted an opportunity to be the next producing artistic director at Stage One, a family theatre in Louisville, Kentucky, making his remaining local appearances all the more salient.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” April 25-May 19 – In this fun, campy musical based on a 1960s cult classic horror film, nerdy floral clerk Seymour cultivates a saucy, R&B-singing Venus fly trap-like plant, which he names for his beloved co-worker Audrey. Everything seems great, until the plant’s devious plans threaten to ruin everything. This sci-fi smash hit is an experience like Rocky Horror Picture Show — with fans singing along in the aisles.

SEASON EXTRAS

LOCAL ACTS: “Lysistrata,” Oct. 25-28 – This special staged reading will connect Theatreworks, UCCS, and the Colorado Springs community with an eclectic mix of art, theatre, dance, politics and ritual. “Lysistrata” is a raucous, bawdy comedy that has stood the test of time with its sharp insight and wild humor. The play follows the title character’s clever mission to end war by persuading the women of Greece to withhold sex from their husbands until the men agree to make peace. Will peace prevail, or does her plan just inflame the battle between the sexes?

UCCS STUDENT SHOW: “What of the Night?” March 14-24 – “What of the Night?” is an epic tour of 20th-century poverty and greed, seen through the eyes of one of America’s greatest playwrights. Gritty, imagistic, and bordering on magical, María Irene Fornés’ lush play shines a light on some hard realities while celebrating tenacity and human survival. The Pulitzer Prize-nominated play features the students of the UCCS Theatre and Dance program.

Theatreworks is a professional, regional theater company dedicated to creating challenging and innovative productions of classic and contemporary theater for the enjoyment, education and stimulation of UCCS students, faculty, staff and Pikes Peak region community members. Theatreworks was founded in 1975 as an outreach program of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. For more information, visit www.theatreworksCS.org.

UCCS Presents supports arts, culture, and community for UCCS and the Pikes Peak region. Its professional arts programs are the Artist Series, UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art, and Theatreworks. The University Center and Events Services provide support for these programs, as well as events across campus, while cultivating a welcoming environment for students to engage in diverse activities.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs, is one of the fastest-growing universities in Colorado. The university offers 46 bachelor’s, 22 master’s and five doctoral degree programs. UCCS enrolls about 12,000 students on campus annually and another 3,300 in online programs. For more information, visit www.uccs.edu.

Original source: http://pressreleases.uccs.edu/?p=3680