COLUMBIA, Mo.— Stephens College announces the 2010-2011 performing arts season schedule, featuring theatre, dance, music and film productions. The Season sponsor is KFRU News Talk 1400 AM. Ticket sales begin on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, in the Stephens Box Office, (573) 876-7199, boxoffice@stephens.edu. To order tickets online or for more information, visit www.stephens.edu/performingarts.

Playhouse Company
(Unless otherwise noted, all Playhouse performances are held in the Macklanburg Playhouse, 100 Willis Ave.)

Our Leading Lady
By Charles Busch
7:30 p.m., Sept. 24–25, Oct. 1–2, 2010; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Sept. 26
This quirky comedy, set in Washington, D.C., in 1865, revolves around the British-born stage actress Laura Keene whose wacky company is performing at Ford’s Theatre the night Abraham Lincoln is shot by John Wilkes Booth. Even though this sounds sad, the backstage mishaps take focus over the national tragedy, giving the old theatre maxim, “The show must go on!,” a truly different dimension. Just picture the Civil War meets Waiting for Guff man!
Admission: $12, general; $6 student/senior

All My Sons
By Arthur Miller
7:30 p.m., Oct. 22–23, 29–30, 2010; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Oct. 24
One of the greatest American dramas! This impressive play received the Drama Critics Award and helped to establish Arthur Miller among the first post-war playwrights. The Keller family is the center of this story that focuses on the father, Joe Keller, and the shop he ran to produce airplane parts during World War II. To tell much more about the plot of this play would destroy the electrifying conclusion, but an evening spent witnessing an Arthur Miller play is always a gift to any theatre-goer.
Admission: $12, general; $6 student/senior

Meet Me in St. Louis
Songs by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane; Book by Hugh Wheeler
7:30 p.m., Dec. 3–4, 8–11, 2010; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Dec. 5
This rare treasure in the musical theatre world is based on the heartwarming movie. Join the Smith family at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, and see how their love and respect for each other is revealed through the most beautiful of music. Memorable musical numbers include “The Boy Next Door,” “The Trolley Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and that’s just for starters! What a wonderful treat for the Columbia community this holiday season!
Admission: $14, general; $7 student/senior

Sense and Sensibility
Adapted by Jon Jory
7:30 p.m., Feb. 11–12, 18–19, 2011; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Feb. 13
This is Jane Austen at her most delightful! If you like “Pride and Prejudice,” you will truly love this gem. Two sisters are totally captivated by two very different gentlemen. Their entanglements make for a joyous adventure into romance. Of course, where there is love, there is heartbreak, but these charming ladies learn to manage the men in their lives. Even Shakespeare couldn’t have written a better all’s well that ends well. It’s a romantic jaunt that is perfect for a February evening at the theatre.
Admission: $12, general; $6 student/senior

The Clean House
By Sarah Ruhl
7:30 p.m., March 18–19, 24–25, 2011; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, March 20
(Performed at the Warehouse Theatre)
This extraordinary new play by an exciting fresh voice in American drama was a Pulitzer Prize runner-up. It takes place in what the author describes as “metaphysical Connecticut.” The action centers around the home of a married couple, who are both doctors, and Matilde, their Brazilian housekeeper. Without entirely giving away the plot, the action of this play gives new meaning to the phrase, “I almost died laughing.” The NY Daily News simply said of Ruhl’s play, “Casts a spell that had me hooked.”
Admission: $12, general; $6 student/senior

Thoroughly Modern Millie
Book by Richard Henry Morris; Music by Jeanine Tesori; New lyrics by Dick Scanlan
7:30 p.m., April 29–30, May 4–6, 2011; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, May 1
Zany, high-spirited and a musical romp are all descriptions of the amazing closing musical produced by the Stephens College School of Performing Arts. It takes place in New York City in 1922 and tells the story of young Millie Dillmount. The city is full of intrigue and jazz, and the audience is treated to an evening of rousing songs and bright dance numbers. People of all ages should pack up their troubles and come to the Macklanburg for a spring celebration as a thoroughly modern Millie charms us all.
Admission: $14, general; $7 student/senior


Warehouse Theatre Company
(All Warehouse performances are held in the Warehouse Theatre, 104 Willis Ave.)

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
By Alan Ball
7:30 p.m., Oct. 6–9, 2010
This laugh-out-loud comedy takes you behind the scenes of the “perfect” wedding. Far from the reception, five comically contrasting women escape from their obligations to the bride. This unlikely group of gals shares laughs and drinks, discovering they have more in common than just their ridiculous dresses. The New York Times described this play as “frothy and frivolous as the costumes.” You’re in for a treat with this fun season opener. This production includes strong themes and adult language.
Admission: $8, general; $6 student/senior

Collected Stories
By Donald Margulies
7:30 p.m., Nov. 10–13, 2010
Welcome to a world where wit rules and writing is vital. Award-winning playwright Donald Margulies follows the transformation of the love-hate relationship between a reclusive writer and her adoring student. Just having enjoyed a revival on Broadway, this intelligent and insightful coming-of-age story promises to stimulate thought while keeping the audience riveted. Some adult language.
Admission: $8, general; $6 student/senior

The Young and Fair
By Richard Nash
7:30 p.m., Feb. 23–26, 2011
Brooke Valley Academy had historically been a college for well-born young women. But in 1948, two strong-willed sisters arrive with passion and innovation that challenge the old-fashioned ideals of the school. Richard Nash spins a thrilling story of students determined to fight for their reputation, no matter the costs. This stimulating social drama reveals the secrets of this home away from home.
Admission: $8, general; $6 student/senior

Eleemosynary
By Lee Blessing
7:30 p.m., April 13–16, 2011
Winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, this pleasantly offbeat play travels through time to explore the lives of three generations of women: a brilliant young girl obsessed with language, the eccentric grandmother who raised her, and the mother who never loved her enough to stay. Lee Blessing presents a slightly crazy picture of a far-from perfect family and the ups and downs of their relationships. Some adult language.
Admission: $8, general; $6 student/senior


Dance

Senior Dance Concert
7:30 p.m., Dec. 9–11, 2010; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Dec. 12
Warehouse Theatre
The culmination of personal dance experiences is reflected in the choreography of graduating dance majors.
Admission: $8, general; $6 student/senior

Stephens College Annual Dance Company Spring Concert
7:30 p.m., March 4–5, 11–12, 2011; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, March 6
Macklanburg Playhouse
Always an eagerly anticipated Stephens tradition, the Spring Dance Concert features a variety of dance forms such as classic ballet, modern dance, jazz and tap. A variety of world dance selections also highlights this evening of dance.
Admission: $14, general; $7 student/senior

New Works Dance Concert
7:30 p.m., April 22–23, 2011
Warehouse Theatre
Adjudicated student choreography is performed by members of the Stephens Dance Company.
Admission: $8, general; $6 student/senior


Music
Bach’s Lunch
12:30 p.m., Sept. 30, Oct. 28, Nov. 18, 2010; Feb. 24, March 24, April 28, 2011
Historic Senior Recital Hall, 100 Waugh St.
Stephens students perform a variety of short musical showcases. A great way to spend your lunch hour!
Free and open to the public.

A Dickens Victorian Christmas
7:30 p.m., Dec. 5–7, 2010
Historic Senior Hall Parlors, 100 Waugh St.
Join us for an authentic recreation of a Victorian Christmas Celebration hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dickens featuring holiday music, period dance, refreshments, games and frivolity.
Admission: $14, general only

Annual Spring Choral Concert
7:30 p.m., April 24, 2011
Historic Senior Recital Hall, 100 Waugh St.
Enjoy performances by the Stephens College Choir and The Velvetones, the College’s a cappella jazz ensemble. For all ages.
Free and open to the public.


Film
Citizen Jane Film Festival
Oct. 15–17, 2010
Stephens College campus
This film festival features short and feature film screenings, panel discussions, and a video art performance and installation. Visit www.citizenjanefilm.org for more details.

Best of Year 2010 Student Films
7 p.m., Jan.13, 2011
Charters Auditorium, 1405 E. Broadway
Stephens College film students show their best work of the semester.
Free and open to the public.

Senior Film Showcase
7 p.m., April 8, 2011
Macklanburg Playhouse
Senior film students present their short film projects. Followed by a Q&A with the student directors.
Free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged.

Citizen Jane Film Series
Scheduled throughout the year


The Stephens School of Performing Arts capitalizes on the strengths of the College’s integrated media and performing arts, combining study in theatre, dance, music, film, radio, print production and television. Students who graduate from the school are equipped to work in the entertainment industry as actresses and actors, screenwriters and playwrights, filmmakers, digital film editors, set designers (film and theatre), and other related professional roles.

Stephens College, established in 1833, is historically committed to meeting the changing needs of women. Stephens engages students in an innovative educational experience focused on pre-professional fields and the performing arts and grounded in the liberal arts.

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