It’s a busy year of theatre and musicals, as the Christian Brothers Academy Drama Department kicks off the 29th season of performances on Nov. 3, 4, and 5 with the fall drama production of “The Cherry Orchard.”
Since its first production in 1904 at the famed Moscow Art Theatre, “The Cherry Orchard” has become one of the most critically admired and performed plays in the Western world, a high comedy whose principal theme, the passing of the old semi-feudal order, is symbolized in the sale of the cherry orchard owned by Madame Ranyevskaya.
This is the 11th year of the CBA Fall Drama. Performances will take place in the chapel. Tickets are $5 and will be available in the main office the last week of October.
A special dinner theatre experience will be offered on the closing night performance on Saturday, Nov. 5. Guests will enjoy an elegant sit-down dinner in the LGI lobby, followed by the evening’s presentation of “The Cherry Orchard.” Watch for further details regarding pre-sale, entrée choices, and price.
This year’s middle school musical production is the beloved classic “Bye, Bye, Birdie.” Once again directed by Tim Davis, this popular staple of American Musical Comedy follows the adventures of rock star Conrad Birdie who gets drafted into the army.
His fans are devastated, but none more than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson, whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert’s longtime girlfriend, Rosie, pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie will perform on the Ed Sullivan show to a fan selected in a contest. The scheme works, with young Ohio teenager Kim McAfee declared the winner, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend. Great comedy, great music and all those poodle skirts!
This year’s spring musical, “Mame,” will be performed on Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25 at the Nottingham High School Auditorium. The musical revolves around the antics of Mame Dennis, a fun-loving, wealthy eccentric with a flair for life and a razor-sharp wit. Her life is suddenly changed when she becomes the guardian of her late brother’s only child, Patrick Dennis. Her adventures take us from the speak-easies of the roaring 20’s, to the depression following the great stock market crash. She is rescued by a wealthy Southern plantation owner, marries and is widowed suddenly, and through it all, manages to keep things under control. With some help from her dearest friend, Vera Charles, she keeps things at 3 Beekman Place a rousing free-for-all.
Tickets for “Mame” are $10 for all seats and will be available in mid-March.
The season culminates with the Student Drama Showcase, an evening which features four one-act plays written by students from Mr. Benware’s Creative Writing class, performed by and directed by students from the Drama class. Also featured will be performances from the winners of the Shakespeare Competition, some improvisational sketches, and a few surprises.
Tentative date for the Student Drama Showcase is 7 p.m. on Friday, May 12 in the LGI. Tickets are $2.
