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Dorothy J. Esser Foundation

60th Season 2001-2002


ALL PERFORMANCES AT 7:30 P.M.



PERFORMANCES: September 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2002
Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road.
Book & lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Music by Richard Rodgers. Adapted from Lynn Riggs's Green Grow the Lilacs. Directed by Glenn Cannon
REVIEWS & CAST




PERFORMANCES: November 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, 2002
As much as anyone, Leiber and Stoller invented rock 'n roll. Their timeless songs provide the basis for this electrifying entertainment that had critics raving and audiences stampeding the box office during its record-breaking Broadway run. Each lyric is a self-contained story set to a take-home tune and collectively they celebrate a golden age of American culture.
Songs by Leiber and Stoller. Directed and Choreographed by Derek Daniels
REVIEWS & CAST

PERFORMANCES: December 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22, 2002
NOT PART OF SEASON SUBSCRIPTION
This musical revue takes place in New York City's Central Park a few days before Christmas. Much of the traditional Christmas Music is featured by: a soldier calling home from the phone booth; a nun chasing and catching her troubled student; a tough youngster finding Christmas on his CD; a group of carolers passing through the park; an artist playing the violin with the case open to collect money; two young girls practicing their dance steps; a mother reading A CHRISTMAS MEMORY to her child; a policeman giving encouragement to an old woman and many more encounters. It performed four successful seasons at the Army's Heritage House Dinner Theatre at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Also for the combined churches in Lebanon, Missouri.
Directed by Vanita Rae Smith
REVIEWS

PERFORMANCES: February 27, 28, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2003
Godspell has remained an immensely successful rock opera, breaking new ground in its stage treatment of Jesus Christ. It is based on the Gospel according to Matthew, and this modern and contemporary retelling is a joyous celebration of music, mime, comedy and slapstick. The score of Godspell calls on all modern musical influences, including Rock, Gospel, Ragtime - and includes the hits "Prepare ye the way of the Lord," and "Day by Day".
By Schwartz & Tebelak. Directed & Choreographed by Brad Powell

REVIEWS & CAST



PERFORMANCES: May 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 2003
An affectionate story of Smalltown, U.S.A. in a bygone era. It follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize---this despite the fact he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen.
Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson

REVIEWS & CAST




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