University Theatre announces 2010-11 mainstage lineup

Western Carolina University is ready to shine the spotlight on the University Theatre’s 2010-11 Mainstage season, which is packed with popular Broadway musicals and smaller experimental works. Season tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 10.

Mainstage productions are directed by faculty members from the School of Stage and Screen. For the first time, the season includes three musicals: “The Seven Deadly Sins,” an operatic ballet by Kurt Weill; “Rent” by Jonathan Larson; and “Kiss Me, Kate” by Cole Porter.

In addition to the musical works are a combination of contemporary and intimate productions staged in the university’s Niggli Theatre: the comedy “Romantic Fools” by Rich Orloff; the Tony Award-nominated “Reasons to be Pretty” by Neil LaBute; and a selection of “theAtrainplays,” six short works by different authors all set on an iconic New York subway route.

Season tickets offer substantial savings over individual show prices. Tickets may be purchased individually or in season packages. The six-show combo is $60, a savings of $40 over regular ticket prices.

Anyone interested in offering financial support for the University Theatre and its student organization, the University Players, can become a member of the Patron Club, which offers three membership levels. Go to www.wcu.edu/4915.asp for more information.

For tickets, call the Fine and Performing Arts Center box office at 828-227-2479. For further information on the University Theatre’s Mainstage productions, or about becoming a member of the Patron Club, contact the School of Stage and Screen at 828-227-7491.

Following is a complete list of Mainstage season productions:

Friday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 12, “Seven Deadly Sins” by Kurt Weill, choreographed by Karyn Tomczak and directed by Brad Martin. Theatergoers can start their Halloween early with an evening of song and dance. An exploration of good and evil written as World War II threatened Europe, “Seven Deadly Sins” will play at the Fine and Performing Arts Center. ($20, general; $15, seniors and WCU faculty and staff; $5, students)

Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 6-9, “Romantic Fools” by Rich Orloff and directed by Peter Savage. A. In the style of Monty Python, the Marx Brothers and classic vaudeville, a series of sketches about love, dating, lust and romance highlights and celebrates the comedy inherent in relationships. “Romantic Fools” is set for the Niggli Theatre. ($15, general; $10, seniors and WCU faculty and staff; $5, students)

Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 20-21, “Rent” by Jonathan Larson and guest-directed by Broadway’s Owen Johnston. This famous rock musical tells the story of a group of impoverished, talented artists and musicians struggling for success in the Lower East Side of New York. The play details a year in the life of two roommates and their friends learning to deal with love, loss and everyday living. “Rent” will be presented in the Fine and Performing Arts Center. ($20, general; $15, seniors and WCU faculty and staff; $5, students)

Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 9-12, “Reasons to be Pretty” by Neil LaBute and directed by Claire Eye. Focusing on the modern obsession with physical appearance, this work explores the struggles and triumphs of four working-class friends and lovers. “Reasons to be Pretty” will stage in the Niggli Theatre. ($15, general; $10, seniors and WCU faculty and staff; $5, students)

Thursday through Sunday, March 24-27, “Kiss Me, Kate” by Cole Porter and directed by Terrence Mann, WCU’s Carolyn Plemmons Phillips and Ben R. Phillips Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre. The classic “Kiss Me, Kate” is a play-within-a-play that combines Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” with Porter’s iconic music and lyrics. A five-time Tony Award winner, the play reveals the hilarity and poignancy of love gone awry and will be held in the Fine and Performing Arts Center. ($20, general; $15, seniors and WCU faculty and staff; $5, students)

Wednesday through Saturday, April 13-16, “theAtrainplays” by various playwrights and directed by D.V. Caitlyn. These six short works represent the best of a theater project created in one of New York’s most famous subway lines. Hailed as hilarious and deeply human, the selections hum with energy. “TheAtrainplays” will play in the Niggli Theatre. ($15, general; $10, seniors and WCU faculty and staff; $5, students)