WIU Opera Theatre May 8-9; "Trouble in Tahiti" & "Gallantry"

May 6, 2009

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"Gallantry" singers Christopher Norton (Macomb), Sarah Gerloff (Woodstock, IL) and Matthew Brown (Macomb)
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MACOMB, IL - - It's back to the 1950s this weekend when the Western Illinois University Opera Theatre presents two one-act comic operas Friday and Saturday, May 8-9 in the Hainline Theatre, located on Western Avenue and Murray Street (C.T. Vivian Way). Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

"Trouble in Tahiti" takes an amusing look into Leonard Bernstein's own dysfunctional childhood growing up in 1950s suburbia. The plot looks at the "ideal" suburban dream against the stark reality of an unhappy marriage.

"Gallantry," by Douglas Moore, takes place in a 1950s soap opera television studio. The plot unfolds around the lascivious Dr. Gregg, his innocent young Nurse, and Donald, the unsuspecting hospital patient. This comic opera pays homage to the outlandish and suspense-ridden plots of the American soap opera, complete with commercials.

In collaboration with the Western Illinois Museum, 1950s artifacts will be displayed in the Hainline lobby. The exhibit will parallel the opera's exploration into the suburban household of the 50s by presenting common objects and advertising that were part of this new lifestyle. Seeing these artifacts from the not-so-distant past amplifies how much has changed as the American culture continues to seek the latest and the newest, according to Rebecca Abram Kreider, director of WIU's Opera Theatre.

"Trouble in Tahiti" performers include Matthew Brown (Macomb), a master's level vocal performance student; sophomore Katie Gansel (11400 block of S. Fairfield Ave., Chicago 60655), an art major and music minor; senior Sarah Gerloff (Woodstock, IL), a music/vocal performance major; senior Christopher Norton (Macomb), a music/vocal performance major; senior Daniel Reem (Macomb), a music/music business major; and senior Sarah Walker (Rock Island), a music/music business major. Also appearing are senior William Barnhart (Beardstown), a music education/choral major; sophomore Samuel Essling (Elburn, IL), a music/vocal performance and musical theatre double major; sophomore Ethan Ivey (Plainfield, IL), a music education/choral major; freshman Therese Pircon (Macomb), a music/vocal performance major; and Gibson Blankenship, from the community.

"Gallantry" is sung by senior Daniel Brakefield (Macomb), a music education/choral major; senior Chelsea Maroney (Arlington Heights, IL), music education/choral and vocal performance double major; Lacey Phillips (Quincy, IL), a master's level vocal performance student; senior Sarah Walker (Rock Island, IL), music/music business option major; and Brown. Dancers are freshman Laura Dittmar (Elizabeth, IL), musical education/choral major; sophomore Megan Fullenkamp (Danville, IL); sophomore Allison Scherer (Geneseo, IL), musical theatre major; along with Essling, Gansel and Gerloff.

Stage direction is by Kreider, with choreography by dance instructor Denise Brakefield. The WIU Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Richard Hughey, director of orchestral activities. Costumes are by faculty assistant Bonnie Jacobs, set design by faculty assistant Michael Klippert and lighting design by master of fine arts design student Greg Griffin.

Tickets - - $14 for the public and $12 for seniors and WIU students with a valid ID - - are available at the Hainline Box Office from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, telephone (309) 298-2900. A service fee may be added at the time of purchase.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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