Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT) opens its 33rd season of professional theatre filled with contemporary and legendary classics.
The season opens Friday, June 18, with the classic musical "Bye Bye Birdie."HSRT also presents "Art," the 1998 Tony-award winning comedy; George Bernard Shaw's "Arms and the Man"; and "G.I. Jive," an original musical based on one of HSRTs popular cabaret shows, all on the DeWitt theatre main stage.
HSRT favorites Dana Synder and James Saba team up for "Rounding Third," a fun look at the trials and tribulations of Little League Baseball coaching, in Snow Auditorium, and the popular cabaret show returns to the Park Theater with "All Night Diner."
"Bye Bye Birdie" is one of most successful plays of all time, telling the story of 50s rock star Conrad Birdie and his trek into everyday American life. Featuring songs like "One Last Kiss," "Spanish Rose," and "Put on a Happy Face," "Bye Bye Birdie" is a family classic. The show opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 18, with additional evening shows on June 19, 22, 23, 24, 28 and 30; July 6, 8, 12, 15, 23, 24 and 29; and August 9 and 11. There will be an additional 2 p.m. show on July 15. "Bye Bye Birdie" is based on the book by Michael Steward, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams.
"Art," written by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton, is a comedy about three friends and a painting. An all-white painting is purchased for a large sum by one of the friends, leading to some hilarious insights on status, friendship and art. The play brings together the talents of David Colacci, James Saba and Dana Snyder. This great comedy opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 25, with additional shows on June 26 and 29; July 1, 7, 13, 16, 20 and 28; and August 2 and 13.
"Arms and the Man," is one of George Bernard Shaw's great comedies in which the absurdities of love and war are exposed, and romantic ideals turned on their head. With a "Chocolate Cream" solider, not-so-subservient servants and willful women this comedy truly comes alive with talents of Brandy McClendon and Chip Duford. "Arms and the Man" opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 9, with additional shows on July 10, 14, 17, 19, 22 and 27; and August 4 and 6.
The main stage season concludes with a full-stage version of one of HSRTs most popular cabaret shows. "G.I. Jive," created by HSRT veterans Fred Tessler and Meribeth Kisner, takes a nostalgic, yet fun, look back at the World War Two era, featuring some of the greatest music of the time, including "Joint is Jumpin'," "Sentimental Journey," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and "In the Mood." The show features Susan Ericksen and Chip Duford. "G.I. Jive" opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 30, with additional shows on July 31; and August 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14.
Snow Auditorium of Nykerk Hall of Music plays host to "Rounding Third," a touching comedy about what happens when a "win-at-all-costs" father shares the Little League coaching bench with a "let's-just-have-fun" father. Dana Synder and James Saba pair up again in this hilarious look at the grit, the pressure, and the stakes of Little League baseball. "Rounding Third" opens at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, in Snow Auditorium, with additional shows on July 22, 26, 27 and 31; and August 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 12.
"All Night Diner" is the theme for HSRT's cabaret show, returning for its seventh year. Spend an evening in a New York diner, this time located at the Park Theater near downtown Holland. Food and beverages will be available as well. "All Night Diner" opens at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 2, with additional shows on July 3, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20 and 28; and August 2.
The DeWitt theatre box office opens Thursday, May 27. Prices range from $8 to $25 for musicals, and from $8 to $18 for plays. Season coupons, ranging from $42 to $60, are also available.
The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. On performance dates, the box office will be open through intermission. The box office is located in the DeWitt Center. For tickets or information call the box office at (616) 395-7890 or visit the HSRT Web site at www.hope.edu/hsrt. Information about the Children's Performance Troupe is also on the Web site.
The DeWitt Center is located on Columbia Avenue at 12th Street. Nykerk Hall of Music is located in the central Hope campus, between College and Columbia avenues along the former 12th Street. The Park Theater is located on River Avenue between 10th and 11th streets, across from Centennial Park.