From the Theatre Guild

THE SECRET GARDEN

Adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Directed by Dr. Katie Wampler
Phillippe Performing Arts Center Auditorium

Synopsis:
This enchanting classic of children's literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha "Norman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of 'Night Mother. Orphaned in India, 11 year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son Colin. The estate's many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the "Dreamers", spirits from Mary's past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden's compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal." (Samuel French, Inc.)

Dates and Times:
Thursday-Saturday, March 14-16 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 16 at matinee at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, March 21-23 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 23 matinée at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets:
Students $7
Alumni – IWU Employees – Senior Citizens $10
General Admission $12

Earlier This Year

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Dr. Greg Fiebig
Black Box Theatre

Synopsis:
Don Pedro of Aragon and his troops return from war and are welcomed home by Leonato, the governor of Messina. Claudio, Don Pedro's right hand man, falls in love with Leonato's daughter, Hero. Leonato's niece, Beatrice, and Claudio's friend Benedick have a love-hate relationship and both declare that they will never fall in love. Don Pedro, Claudio, Hero, and Leonato decide to try to trick Beatrice and Benedick into loving one another. Don Pedro's half brother, Don John, devises a plot against Claudio in which he will trick Claudio into believing that Hero has been unfaithful. On Claudio and Hero's wedding day, Claudio publicly shames Hero and leaves the wedding in a great scene. Beatrice asks Benedick to challenge Claudio, and a merry war ensues.

Dates and Times:
Thursday-Saturday, September 27-29 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 29 matinée at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, October 4-6 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 6 matinée at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets:
Alumni $6
Students $7
IWU Employees & Senior Citizens $10
General Admission $12

Pygmalion

By George Bernard Shaw
Directed by Dr. Katie Wampler
Black Box Theatre

Synopsis:
“In this seminal comedy of class distinctions, a fussy British phonetics professor, Henry Higgins wagers that he can transform guttersnipe cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle into a lady of breeding, voice and manners in London's Ascot society, with surprising results.” (Samuel French, Inc.)

Dates and Times:
Thursday-Saturday, November 8-10 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 10 matinée at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, November 15-17 at 7:30 p.m.     
Saturday, November 17 matinée at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets:
Students $7
Alumni – IWU Employees – Sr. Citizens $10
General Admission $12

Steel Magnolias

By Robert Harling
Directed by senior Theatre major Heather Sosbe
Black Box Theatre

Synopsis:
"The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are 'anybody' come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, ('I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years'); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a 'good ole boy.' Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad. (Dramatists Play Service, Inc.)

Dates and Times:
Thursday-Saturday, February 14-16 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday,  February 16 matinée at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets:
Students $7
Alumni – IWU Employees – Sr. Citizens $10
General Admission $12