The University of Southern Indiana Philip J. Hagemann Performing Arts Department, in association with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and Murray Rosenthal, are proud to present Farce and Follies: A USI Opera Event. Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, January 30 and 2 p.m. Saturday, January 31 in the USI Performance Center.
Performances will feature two musical works that demonstrate how music can be a mirror, for better or worse, of the human condition.
The first act consists of The Music Cure, an adaptation by Philip Hagemann of the George Bernard Shaw one-act of the same name. Originally premiering in 1913, Shaw’s play (which he subtitled “a Piece of Utter Nonsense”) has been enriched by Hagemann’s musical setting.
Blending comedy, music and sharp observation, the production offers an entertaining and thought-provoking evening of theatre. The result is a show that is clever without being heavy, intelligent without being intimidating, and consistently engaging.
Taking on the role of Strega Thundridge, USI is proud to welcome soprano Alison Buchanan back to the Performance Center stage. Buchanan is the Artistic Director of Pegasus Opera in London and has enjoyed a successful partnership with Hagemann & Rosenthal Associates. This partnership has brought the operas of Philip J. Hagemann to London audiences and showcased many of his works.
The second act will be selections from Steven Sondheim’s hit, Follies. Follies takes audiences on a dazzling journey into memory, regret and the passage of time. Set against the backdrop of a soon-to-be-demolished Broadway theatre, the musical reunites former showgirls and performers, whose pasts return to haunt them through unforgettable songs. With Sondheim’s intricate score and sharp, poignant lyrics, Follies blends glamour, comedy and heartbreak offering a theatrical experience where music becomes a mirror, reflecting the laughter, longing and truths we sometimes try to hide.
Follies will showcase the vocal talents of guest artists Jonathan Elmore, Daniel Lentz, Lisa Hatt, Donata Cucinotta, Alison Buchanan and Elliot Wasserman, Chair Emeritus of the Hagemann Performing Arts Department and Professor Emeritus of Theatre. Joining the principal cast will be USI students Ethan Hoover, Cruz Quiroz, Chrislyn Miller, Abby Scheller and Morgan Stauter. This presents a unique opportunity for professional talent to work hand in hand with our theatrical students.
Musical accompaniment will be provided by members of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra under the musical direction of Roger Kalia. In its 90-year history, the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra continues to grow as one of the finest regional orchestras of its kind in the country, reaching thousands of audience members young and old.
Both shows will be directed by Dr. Joshua Robinson, Associate Professor of Musical Theatre. Additional design and production work will be provided by Paul Weimer, Chair of the Hagemann Performing Arts Department; John Merrit, Teaching Assistant Professor of Theatre; Matthew Ishee, Assistant Professor of Theatre; Jacob Reynolds, Theatre Technical Coordinator; Kimberly Coleman, Costume Shop Manager; Shan Jensen, Professor Emeritus; and Adam Funkhouser, Senior Administrative Assistant.
Tickets for Farce and Follies: A USI Opera Event are $15 for adults, $12 for USI employees, alumni and senior citizens (60+), $2 for USI students and $4 for non-USI students. As with other productions, USI students may claim a free Student Rush ticket by scanning their Eagle Access ID one hour before the start of the performance. These tickets are limited in number and are issued on a first come first serve basis.
