HOLLAND -- After 30 years of entertaining the West
Michigan community, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT)
shows no signs of slowing down. From wizards to higher
education to a rock 'n roll Shakespeare, HSRT is providing a
summer full of shows with something for every one.

The season opens on Friday, June 15, with a show
the whole family already loves, L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard
of Oz." The great film score comes to life on the HSRT
stage with the lyrics and music of Harold Arien and E.Y.
Harburg. Marcella Rose Sciotto makes her HSRT debut as
Dorothy, surrounded by the talent of Dana Snyder ("Sylvia,"
"Charlie Brown"), Chip Du Ford ("Chaps," "Joseph"), and
Brandy McClendon ("Suds," "Sylvia"). As an added bonus, the
stage version includes the exciting dance number,
"Jitterbug," which was cut from the movie version. "The
Wizard of Oz" will be presented in the DeWitt Center main
theatre.

Although it is about "Orphans," Lyle Kessler's
play is not about young children. Instead, this tragicomedy
follows two orphaned teenage brothers, and the results of
their kidnapping scheme in which they unwittingly nab an
older, more established criminal. This father figure
creates new dynamics in how the brothers interact with the
world, and each other. Daina Robins ("Cinderella," "Twelve
Angry Men") directs this emotionally charged piece featuring
new HSRT Equity Guest Artist Mark Goetzinger. This play,
intended for mature audiences, opens Friday, June 22, in
Snow Auditorium.

Next, if the truth is no fun, you can always
create some "Rumors." Opening Friday, June 29, in the
DeWitt Center main theatre, Neil Simon's 1988 farce takes us
to a 10th anniversary celebration for one couple, which ends
up as a night no one is likely to forget. As the guests try
to figure out what has become of the happy couple, the
rumors multiply into a dizzying array of laughter. Director
Tom Bullard ("Man of La Mancha," "To Kill A Mockingbird")
returns to lead an outstanding cast of HSRT favorites
including David Colacci, James Saba, Dana Snyder, Brandy
McClendon, and Chip DuFord.

HSRT continues to know no bounds as it returns its
cabaret show to downtown Holland. This time Fred Tessler,
creator of last year's "G.I. Jive," turns our attention to
the theme of "He Loves, She Loves," opening at the exciting
new restaurant, Via Maria (13 W. 7th Street) on Monday, July
2. Great Broadway classics, including Stepen Sondheim and
Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, find a new format as we watch
one couple fall in love, and another couple fall out. This
show includes the return of one of the "Annie" girls, Nicole
Tieri, a Grand Rapids native now studying theatre at New
York University.

Higher education does not escape HSRT's grasp this
season when Willy Russell's "Educating Rita" opens on the
mainstage on Friday, July 20. A struggling university
lecturer meets a brash, down-to-earth hairdresser hoping for
an education. Set in England, this great comedy features
the talents of HSRT Artistic Producer, David Colacci, and
the fire of Brandy McClendon under the direction of Jahnna
Beecham ("The Nerd," "Chaps"). This play contains material
best suited for mature audiences.

On Friday, July 27, Shakespeare meets Saba? Yes,
when HSRT actor, director, and writer James Saba ("Sylvia,"
CPT artistic director) presents his rock 'n roll version of
the Bard's "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." With musical
arrangements by Steve Gunderson ("Suds"), the songs of the
late 1950s and early 1960s create a new way to love an old
classic. One of Shakespeare's earliest plays, this romantic
comedy follows the adventures of Valentine and Proteus and
the series of events which occur when the already betrothed
Proteus falls for Valentine's beloved. Saba's own creative
talents shine in this new version, which he also directs on
DeWitt's mainstage.

Finally, just for the children (although we let
the parents come in as well), the Children's Performance
Troupe presents two tales for the young at heart. James
Saba directs "The New Kid," a moving but funny tale about
the challenges of coming to a new country. Ross Williams
directs the classic "The Ugly Duckling," with a unique HSRT
touch to it.

The DeWitt Theatre box office opens for
subscribers beginning Thursday, May 24, and for single
ticket sales beginning Tuesday, May 29. The box office is
open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and noon to 5
p.m. on Saturdays. Located in the theatre lobby of the
DeWitt Center at 12th Street and Columbia Avenue, the box
office may be called at (616) 395-7890.

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