2009-2010 Theatre Events

Bursting with mistaken identities, acrobatic pratfalls, improbable miscommunications and a dash of romance, The Servant of Two Masters is a sparkling and classic Italian comedy. Set in Venice, this commedia dell’ arte extravaganza follows the antics of a wily servant who gets the best of both his masters.

Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music
by Lee Blessing
October 21-25, 28-31, November 1
Class of '56 Flexible Theatre

Feisty Eve Wilfong lives above Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music, a former biker bar turned “Saturday night hangout”. Eve attempts to give her niece, a novice nun who has been asked to leave the convent due to a curious compulsion to shout profanities at odd times, advice about life and love in a mad, modern, backcountry world.

Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare
November 19-21, December 3-5
Kiplinger Theatre

Misunderstanding, tribalism and passion point two teenagers on an irrevocable and fatal path.  One of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, Romeo and Juliet explores eternal questions of revenge, love and forgiveness.

Soiree/Cabaret!
World premiere original work!
February 3-7, 10-14
Black Box Theatre

Professor Bruce Levitt and Cornell students create a world premiere performance combining music, laughter and contemporary political commentary.  Soiree/Cabaret! will celebrate great songs and feature memorable comedy sketches in a theatrical format that will delight and surprise.

Biloxi Blues
by Neil Simon
February 17-21, 24-27
Class of '56 Flexible Theatre

Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical play centers on Eugene Jerome, an inexperienced 20-year-old from Brooklyn, who decides to enlist in the Army during World War II. Sent to Biloxi, Mississippi, for basic training, Eugene learns life lessons through an unexpected series of hilarious challenges that teach him about different folks, the meaning of love, and “the real world.”  Winner of Broadway’s Tony Award, Biloxi Blues is “pure Simon” -- creating memorable characters, irresistible laughter and surprising insight into human relationships.

The Government Inspector
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the Nikolai Gogol classic
April 29-May 1, 6-8
Kiplinger Theatre

The Government Inspector is a biting satire and political farce that lampoons bribery, corruption and greed in a wacky, Russian small town.  Written in 1835 by one of Russia’s master playwrights, the witty text (in a new adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher, first performed at the famed Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis last season) rings as true and incredible as today’s headlines.

Special Presentation! It's a Wonderful Life - A Radio Play
Adapted by Joe Landry from the original screenplay
December 12-13
Kiplinger Theatre
(not included in season subscription series -- subscribers can, however, purchase pre-sale tickets)

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a 1940s radio broadcast. Imagine five actors embodying over 30 characters, creating their own sound effects, and charming a live audience under the auspices of a delightful old time radio show. A heartwarming treat not to be missed!