Professional repertory theatre company debuts in Lawrence


Tue, 05/27/2014

author

Heather Anderson

LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas will launch the inaugural season of the Kansas Classical Repertory Theatre this summer. With the theme of translation and adaptation as its founding mission, the KCRT will present the classical drama “The Comedy of Errors” and its musical adaptation, “The Boys from Syracuse,” in rotating repertory.

“I look forward to the community attending both performances and marveling at how the same story can be reinterpreted in such interesting ways,” said Peter Zazzali, assistant professor and director. “‘The Boys from Syracuse,’ for example, will be presented in the Victorian 'steampunk' era, whereas ‘Comedy of Errors’ will pay homage to commedia dell’arte.”

The mission of the KCRT is to bring Lawrence a new professional repertory theatre company. It will include professional actors, B.F.A. and M.F.A. actors from nationally recognized training programs, as well as a select group of KU students. The productions will share the same casts and set, but be distinguished by costumes, directorial concepts and texts. 

“There is also the added bonus of audiences being able to watch the same casts play different roles in two very different theatrical styles – classical verse and musical comedy,” Zazzali said. “It promises to be invigorating, imaginative and fun for all.”

The rotating productions will begin in mid-July in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre, Murphy Hall, 1530 Naismith Drive. “The Comedy of Errors” performances run at 7:30 p.m. July 12, 18, 26 and 2:30 p.m. July 19-20. “The Boys from Syracuse” performances run at 7:30 p.m. July 11, 19, 25 and 2:30 p.m. July 13 and 26.

The Department of Theatre is one of four departments in the School of the Arts. As part of the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the School of the Arts offers fresh possibilities for collaboration between the arts and the humanities, sciences, social sciences, international and interdisciplinary studies.

 

Tue, 05/27/2014

author

Heather Anderson

Media Contacts

Heather Anderson

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

785-864-3667