Is there a dark side to achieving artistic greatness or is that dark side merely just the brutal truth? West Virginia University School of Theatre & Dance opens the 2014-15 season with Theresa Rebeck’s biting play, “Seminar” in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre, Sept. 26-Oct. 4.
In this bristly comedy, four young writers gather in an Upper West Side apartment to attend a high-priced seminar on fiction writing led by an acerbic and unorthodox literary giant named Leonard. He’s not your Mr. Keating from “Dead Poets Society” sort of inspirational teacher. Leonard is brutally and shockingly honest, a fact that actually might cause transformation. As egos clash with sexual politics, agendas change and shift, and their debates become more personal than professional, which writer will end up on top?
“Seminar” premiered on Broadway at the Golden Theatre in the fall of 2011 to rave reviews, with an all-star cast that included Alan Rickman, Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe.
Acclaimed playwright Theresa Rebeck’s other works include “Spike Heels” and “Loose Knit,” and she is probably most recognized by television fans as being the creator of the NBC drama “Smash.”
“Seminar” is directed by WVU Theatre professor Lee Blair, director of the Undergraduate Acting Program. Most recently, Blair directed “Cabaret” in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre last year.
“To switch from the spectacle and grandiose theatrical experience that is “Cabaret” to this five-character serio-comedy has been quite invigorating,” Blair said. ”’Seminar’ is a highly character-driven examination of the truth behind success, notoriety, and art.”
“Seminar” features Master of Fine Arts acting students Brianne Taylor, Nick Ryan and Kyle Walter, who will be using these roles for their master’s theses, and senior Bachelor of Fine Arts acting students Bryan Staggers and Aneissa Neibauer.
Scenic design is by senior Bachelor of Fine Arts Design/Tech student Joe Dotts, costume design is by Professor Mary McClung, and sound/lighting design is by Professor Alan McEwen.
Performances of “Seminar” are in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre in the Creative Arts Center on the Evansdale Campus, Sept. 26-27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 28 at 2 p.m., and resumes on Sept. 30-Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m., with a closing matinee on Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.
This show contains strong adult language and nudity. It is not recommended for those under 18.
Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for senior citizens and students. There is a group rate of $10 per ticket for groups of ten or more.
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, the CAC or Mountainlair Box Offices, or by calling 304-293-SHOW.
For more information on this production of “Seminar” please visit theatre.wvu.edu, call 304-293-2020, or email theatre@mail.wvu.edu.
An ongoing rehearsal blog is available on the School of Theatre & Dance website at http://ccarts.wvu.edu/theatreanddanceblog.
-WVU-
sf/9/23/14
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