Saint Mary’s University announces Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre 2008 season
WINONA, Minn. — A man-eating plant and a phony foreigner will headline Saint Mary’s University’s second annual Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre. The professional theatre company summer lineup will include the popular musical “Little Shop of Horrors”; the hilarious comedy “The Foreigner”; and a yet-to-be-named children’s production in rotation throughout July and August at SMU’s Page Theatre.
Judy Myers, returning for a second year as artistic director, is excited to bring a talented cast of performers from throughout the United States to Winona. Myers said this year’s productions are guaranteed to leave audiences laughing. “These familiar favorites will be popular with audiences of all ages,” she said, “We hope they serve as a complement to Winona’s other rich summer theatre offerings.”
“Little Shop of Horrors,” directed by Myers, follows Seymour, a down-and out skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant, which he names Audrey II, with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon Audrey II grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore that offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. Audrey II finally reveals itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination. Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, this musical is based on the film by Roger Corman and screenplay by Charles Griffith. Anthony Freeman will serve as the musical director.
“The Foreigner” by Larry Shue demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters must deal with a stranger who (they think) knows no English. The locals of a rural Georgian fishing lodge are told that an innocent, shy young man named Charlie speaks no English. As the plot progresses, Charlie overhears more than he should: the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; the fact that the minister's pretty fiancée is pregnant; and many other damaging revelations made with the thought that Charlie doesn't understand a word being said. The wildly funny climax separates the "bad guys," and the "good guys" and ensures a happy ending.
“The Foreigner” will be directed by Steve Snyder, a faculty member of Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., who returns to GCST after having directed last summer’s successful production of “Lend Me a Tenor.”
Gary Diomandes will again serve as GCST’s artistic associate and Kit Mayer is returning as production manager and resident scene designer.
GCST will also include a children’s theatre production in its 2008 season. Performance dates will be announced at a later date.
Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre Schedule
July 10 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
July 11 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
July 12 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
July 13 “Little Shop of Horrors” 3 p.m.
July 17 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
July 18 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
July 19 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
July 20 “The Foreigner” 3 p.m.
July 24 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
July 25 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
July 26 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
July 27 “Little Shop of Horrors” 3 p.m.
July 31 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
August 1 “The Foreigner” 7:30 p.m.
August 2 “Little Shop of Horrors” 7:30 p.m.
August 3 “The Foreigner” 3 p.m.
