NEW PALTZ — New Paltz, NY- Now in its 28th season at SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz Summer Repertory Theatre has chosen three plays that examine art, artists, and the artistic process. Though this subject could sound somewhat impenetrable and contrary to traditional summer fare, the interesting collection of plays was chosen specifically to reveal how live performance-perhaps better than any other art form-can balance insight with entertainment, and address meaningful ideas in captivating and accessible ways.
The season opens on June 20 with “Moon over Buffalo,” Ken Ludwig’s hilarious slapstick farce featuring larger-than-life characters in possession of smaller-than-life talent. Opening on the Fourth of July is comedian/actor/playwright Steve Martin’s sophisticated and wickedly funny “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” Rounding out the season is the Broadway musical review “The World Goes ‘Round,” a thrilling celebration of life, love, and the human spirit, by one of Broadway’s most successful songwriting teams, Kander and Ebb. “The World Goes ‘Round” opens July 18.
Addressing the idea of how live theatre so aptly conveys complex, meaningful ideas, Summer Rep co-producer Yoav Kaddar says, “Take, for instance, the plot of ‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile.’ Interestingly, there is no recorded meeting between Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein, two intellectual giants of the 20th century. But in Steve Martin’s play, they meet at a bohemian cafe in Paris and discuss the connection between genius and ego, ego and art, art and sex, sex and science, science and art, art and genius, and so on. What, on paper, might be a dry distillation of their individual achievements leaps off the page in delightfully funny and invigorating exchanges between two intriguing characters.”
And bringing these characters to life is a summer stock company comprising professional actors, performers from the regional theatre community, and students in the Department of Theatre Arts. Behind-the-scenes, guest directors and designers from professional theatre collaborate with a dedicated core of faculty and students from the Department of Theatre Arts to create every facet of the production including scenery, lighting, costumes, and front-of-house.
This monumental commitment is part of the New Paltz Summer Repertory Theatre legacy-intense, professional, creative, and engaging-for the past 28 years.
“Summer Repertory Theatre is an integral component of a well-rounded theatre education,” says Frank Trezza, Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts at SUNY New Paltz. “The intensity of mounting three major productions in only eight weeks forces our students to eat, drink, and breathe theatre. It is the only time during the year when they have the opportunity to focus solely on their craft without splitting their attention with other coursework in the university. The increased responsibilities that each of them undertake is transformative. We really see great strides in their self-confidence when they continue their studies in the fall. This experience brings them to a whole new level of skill and commitment.”
So many of the Theatre Department graduates who have gone on to successful careers in theatre, film, and television participated in Summer Rep. For many of them, their participation was made possible in part by the Vera Rushforth Irwin Scholarship and the John C. Morrow Memorial Merit Scholarship funds.
These endowment funds were established to offset the financial sacrifice that staying here for the summer entails. Rather than taking summer jobs to pay their college expenses, these students are gaining valuable training in their chosen profession. Scholarships help to support their dedication and commitment to a career in theatre. In 2001, more than $30,000 was awarded in scholarships.
Play Synopsis and Production Information
Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig McKenna Theatre Tickets: $12 / $10 seniors (65+) June 20, 21, 22, 23*, 27, 28, 29, 30*, July 5, 6, 7* * after a date denotes a 2pm performance. All others begin at 8pm.
A theatrical couple-whom no one would confuse with the Lunts – are on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory of “Cyrano de Bergerac” and Noel Coward’s “Private Lives.” Fate has given these aging thespians one more shot at landing starring roles in the epic film, “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” because director Frank Capra is en route to Buffalo to catch their matinee performance. Will Charlotte Hay really appear onstage or simply run off with their agent? Will George Hay actually be sober enough to trod the boards? Misunderstandings and missed cues pile on madcap misadventures, in this uproarious farce, which is sure to leave audiences howling with laughter.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin Parker Theatre Tickets: $12 / $10 (65+)
July 4+, 5, 6*, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14*, 19, 20*, 20, 21* * after a date denotes a 2pm performance. All others begin at 8pm. +The July 4 performance begins at 6:30 p.m. It is followed by fireworks that begin at 9:15pm on the campus sports fields.
Winner of 1996 New York Outer Critics’ Circle Awards for “Best Play” and “Best Playwright,” Picasso at The Lapin Agile (pronounced La-pahn Ah-jeel) is set in 1904 in a bohemian Paris bistro, the Lapin Agile. Comedian, actor and playwright Steve Martin has written a sophisticated and wickedly funny play that revolves around an imaginary meeting between a passionate Pablo Picasso and a fiery Albert Einstein. These two geniuses-young men on the threshold of fame-vie for the attentions of a young lady while engaged in an uproarious battle of ideas about sex, art and science at the dawn of the new age.
The World Goes ‘Round Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb Conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman and David Thompson Performed outdoors on the banks of the College Pond Tickets: $12 / $10 (65+)
July 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, August 1, 2, 3 All performances at 8pm
From the landmark musical team that created “Cabaret,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Chicago,” “The World Goes ‘Round” celebrates some of the most popular songs by Kander and Ebb. This dynamic musical revue features the best of their work from both the stage and screen, including “New York, New York,” “Cabaret” and “All That Jazz.” Ingenious lyrics, perfect melodies and the insight of Broadway masters create showstopper after heart-grabbing showstopper. Filled with humor, drama, and romance, “The World Goes ‘Round” is a thrilling celebration of life, love, and the human spirit, by one of Broadway’s most daring and successful songwriting teams.
Box Office Information
New Paltz Summer Repertory Theatre continues to offer first-rate theatre at affordable prices. Tickets are just $12 and $10 for seniors 65 and over.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 845-257-3880, or in person at the Parker Theatre Box Office. Box Office hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on night of performance. Tickets may be purchased by phone with MasterCard or VISA, or at the box office with cash, check, or credit card. A handling fee of $1 will be added to all credit card orders. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 7.
Parker and McKenna theatres are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with hearing assistance systems. Please notify the box office when placing your order.
www.newpaltz.edu/summerrep
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