The Indiana University Department of Theatre & Drama presents nine plays and musicals in their 2012-2013 season. We sat down with Jonathan Michaelsen, the department's chair and producing artistic director and challenged him to react to each of the titles.
The Fall
When the Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell, directed by Murray McGibbon
Terribly exciting, Australian, skips time to move back and forth across generations
Richard III by Shakespeare
Something we've wanted to do for years, finally have the courage and the talent…guest director…Shakespeare veteran Gavin Cameron-Webb…
Spring Awakening by Stephen Sater and Duncan Sheik based on Wedekind, directed by George Pinney w. musical direction by Ray Fellman
Ran on Broadway for years. Edgy. It's got some rock and roll in it, fun for older and student audiences as well.
The God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, directed by Lee Cromwell
A wonderful play, certainly a comedy, but it has some real teeth to it. Speaks to us, especially the parents among us, and to our time.
The Spring
Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage
Very excited about this one, Ron Himes artistic director at the Saint Louis Black Repertory Theatre will be the guest director.
The school for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, directed by Dale McFadden
Great play. Classic piece. Funny, with wonderful characters, great language and great situations. One of my favorite plays.
At First Sight by Nathan Alan Davis and Kelly P. Lusk
We're excited to produce the premiere's of two plays by students in the MFA playwriting program.
Wrapping Up
Sunday in the Park with George by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim, directed by George Pinney with music direction by Terry LaBolt
It's a great challenge scenically, musically and dramatically but it's also one that we've wanted to do for a long time.