There is only a month between now and the kick-off of the Department of Theatre and Dance’s first production of the year. A variety of performances are scheduled throughout the year.
Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” is the first production of the season. The plot depicts two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, two dilapidated bums waiting for the arrival of someone named “Godot” who never arrives. The man they wait for has the answers to their questions and is the resolver of their feuds. The two characters engage in a variety of conversations, and as they wait, three additional characters are encountered. This play is a brilliant, bitter comedy that portrays the dogged resilience of man’s spirit. The show runs Oct. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. in Bud Frank Theatre.
Opened on Broadway on December 14, 1936, Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s classic, “You Can’t Take it with You” is scheduled for November. Alice Sycamore has just been engaged to her to fiancé, Tony Kirby, and now has to introduce him to her family. Tony comes from a wealthy, stuffy family of great self-importance. Alice, on the other hand, comes from a group of kind-heart lunatics. It’s more than a play depicting the clash between two families but a clash of morals, ideals and what’s truly important in life. Showtimes are Nov. 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. in Bud Frank Theatre.
“Antigone” is one of the more widely renowned stories told in Greek mythology. As a professor of ancient Greek, Anne Carson has created a translation, retitled “Antigonick,” as in “nick of time.” The re-scripted play is more focused on the perfectly timed events that lead to the tragedies befallen on a family more-so than the actual tragedies themselves. Carson added an additional character named “Nick” to play as a pun towards the book’s title. Showtimes are Feb. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. in Bud Frank Theatre.
“Bridge to Terabithia,” a widely popular book and movie adaptation by Katherine Paterson and Stephanie S. Tolan, takes the spotlight for the featured April production in the later part of this academic year. In this story, Jesse’s life changes when he meets and befriends the class outsider, Leslie. Together, the two create an imaginary world that they refer to as “Terabithia,” a magical land inhabited by mythical creates. Although the two are unhappy with their real lives, they reign as king and queen in Terabithia. The imaginary kingdom is a safe space and, in return, is used to cope with the sometimes tragic aspects of life. Showtimes are April 19 at 2 at p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Bud Frank Theatre.
Late admittance will not be allowed into any production. Be aware of the starting time for each show to ensure optimal seating. No exchanges or refunds are allowed for allotted tickets due to tardiness.
Tickets are $5 for students, faculty and staff. Adult admission is $10 for non-ETSU affiliated viewers.
The Bud Frank Theatre in located on the first floor of Gilbreath Hall.
For more information regarding the shows and the 2019-20 production season, contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at 423-439-6511 or theatre@etsu.edu.
