KU Summer Theatre opens with 'A Grand Night for Singing' June 20

LAWRENCE -- Some old favorites from musical theatre and a classic American drama are on tap for Kansas Summer Theatre at the University of Kansas.

KU's Department of Theatre and Film and the University Theatre will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's revue, "A Grand Night for Singing," at 7:30 p.m. June 20, 21, 25 and 28, and at 2:30 p.m. June 22 and 29 in the William Inge Memorial Theatre in Murphy Hall. The 50th anniversary production of William Inge's "Picnic" follows July 11, 12, 18 and 19 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, "A Grand Night for Singing" was conceived by Walter Bobbie and features musical arrangements by Fred Wells and orchestrations by Michael Gibson and Jonathan Tunick.

The KU summer production is being directed and choreographed by Leslie Bennett, assistant professor of theatre and film, with musical direction by Michael D. Johnson, a graduate teaching assistant in Slavic languages and literature. Scenic and lighting designer is Dennis Christilles, associate professor of theatre and film, with costumes designed by Beth Collins, Sanderstead, England, graduate student in scenography.

Created for the 50th anniversary of "Oklahoma!" "A Grand Night for Singing" mixes and matches the musical work of Rodgers and Hammerstein with five marvelous voices and incorporates well-known favorites with songs that are not so familiar, including selections from "Me and Juliet" and "Allegro." The revue goes beyond the traditional romantic love songs and provides the best of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Bennett said.

"Being a purist by nature, I admit to being dubious at first about jazzing up such classics as 'Kansas City' ˆ la Manhattan Transfer," Bennett admitted. "But from the moment I heard the piece, I was utterly enchanted by the sensitive, humorous and insightful interpretations of some of the greatest songs in the popular theatre repertoire."

The production features such popular Rodgers and Hammerstein hits as "Surrey with the Fringe on Top" and "I Cain't Say No" from "Oklahoma"; "This Nearly Was Mine," "Honey Bun" and "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy" from "South Pacific"; and "Shall We Dance?" and "Hello Young Lovers" from "The King and I."

Musicians for the production are Johnson on piano, Jonathan Perez, Lawrence, on bass and guitar, and Kyle Rabe, Overland Park senior, on drums.

General admission tickets for the musical revue are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, (785) 864-3982; Lied Center, (785) 864-ARTS; SUA Office, (785) 864-7469; and online at kutheatre.com; public, $12, KU, other college and high school students, $10, senior citizens, $11; children age 5-12, $6.

Members of the ensemble for the Kansas Summer Theatre musical include (listed by name, year in school, parents' names and high school alma mater):

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Evan C. Grosshans, junior, son of Kip and Kay Grosshans; Lawrence High School graduate.
Julia Elise Hardin, senior, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Richard Hardin; Lawrence Free State High School graduate.
Dylan Hilpman, sophomore, son of Dwight and Peggy Hilpman; Lawrence Free State High School graduate.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Overland Park
Michelle Nikoomanesh, junior, daughter of Barbara and Kanyar Nikoomanesh; Blue Valley High School graduate.

RILEY COUNTY
From Manhattan
Kelli Berry, doctoral student, daughter of Christopher Kuhn and Pam and Tom Marks; Manhattan High School graduate.