KU News Release

University Theatre to stage ‘Starting Here, Starting Now’ at Edwards Campus

LAWRENCE — The second production of the Department of Theatre and Film’s Kansas Summer Theatre is a romantic musical revue to be performed at the University of Kansas’ Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

“Starting Here, Starting Now,” with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and music by David Shire, will be staged at 7:30 p.m. July 13, 14, 20 and 21, and at 2:30 p.m. July 15 and 22 at the Edwards Campus’ Regnier Hall, 12600 Quivira Road. The production will then move to the Lawrence campus for performances at 7:30 p.m. July 27 and 28 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.

The revue, with a cast of three, is directed and choreographed by John Staniunas, associate professor and chair of theatre and film, who also designed the costumes. Music director is Barbara Puckett, program assistant in the Department of Theatre and Film. Scenic and lighting designer is Mark Reaney, professor of theatre and film and artistic director of the University Theatre.

Staniunas said “Starting Here, Starting Now” is an unabashedly romantic and intimate show about love and optimism. He added that the show offers hope to people discouraged at putting themselves out there and without the courage to look for romance.

“There are always pitfalls along the way,” he said. “If you try to feel better about yourself, you look and act better. When you feel good, you’re more attractive to others. People react better to the positives in life. There is a sense of hope to this story.”

Maltby and Shire, who also wrote the music and lyrics for such Broadway hits as “Baby” and “Closer than Ever,” come from a long tradition of writing popular music.

“They write from their own souls and experiences,” Staniunas said. “Their music is not just tuneful, it is often very moving. It gushes with emotion. That’s what makes the best kind of musical theatre. Every song is a mini play with its own story to tell, so when you put the songs together, it creates a beautiful journey and a feeling like you’ve been to very personal places with these actors.”

Some of the production numbers in the show include “I May Want To Remember Today,” “Autumn,” “I Don’t Remember Christmas,” “I Hear Bells,” “Watching The Big Parade Go By” and “A New Life Coming.”

Staniunas said producing the musical on the Edwards Campus is the beginning of what he hopes will be a continued presence of the University Theatre in Overland Park.

Advance general admission tickets for “Starting Here, Starting Now” are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; Student Union Activities box office, 864-7469; and online at www.kutheatre.com. Tickets also will be available on performance nights at Regnier Hall.

Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for students and $14 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff. All major credit cards are accepted for phone and online orders.

Cast members are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names, high school and role.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66046
David Stogsdill, senior in theatre/voice, son of Mark and Sheila Stogsdill; Lawrence High School; Man.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Overland Park 66207
Candace Bondank, senior in theatre/voice; Shawnee Mission South High School; Woman I.

SALINE COUNTY
From Salina 67401
Lauren R. Marshall, spring 2007 graduate with a bachelor’s in theatre/voice; daughter of Dr. Eric and Barbara Marshall; Salina High School South; Woman II.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.