I am so excited to share with you the 14/15 season of the University Theatre.

This is a year that includes some wonderful partnerships for us. With support from the Kellogg Foundation we begin with a truly exciting piece of theatre created collaboratively by an artistic team including actors, playwrights, directors and dramaturgs. Check Your Privilege explores this campus and whether each of us truly has equal opportunity.

Later in the year we will partner with Education for the Arts to bring the family classic Charlotte’s Web to the stage. I have always loved this book and I

am so eager for it to come to life in Shaw Theatre. I know it will be magical for children and their parents both.

And we return to our partnership with the Millennium Restaurant Group, answering all of your calls to bring Tony and Tina’s Wedding back to Kalamazoo.

We have Hair near the beginning of the season and Man of La Mancha at the end – neither needs an introduction from me. In between we will pepper in a hysterical farce, a lovely Shakespeare, an exciting new play from Chicago, a fabulous Victorian thriller, Gaslight – we have lots in store and something for everyone so read on for the details!

A few changes to note – per your requests we will be having an earlier curtain time this year – 7:30 pm. And we will be moving most of our opening night celebrations to Fridays. We also have a new, improved ticketing system making your online purchasing just a few clicks away.

This season makes me smile and early feedback tells me that I am not the only one excited by this line up. So come out and join us. Celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our students. How glorious to share their gifts.

Joan Herrington, ChairDepartment of Theatre

BOX OFFICE HOURS

Gilmore Theatre Complex Monday–Friday 12:00–5:00 pm, and 2 hours prior to performances. Saturdays with performances 12:00–4:00 PM

Tel: 269-387-6222

Web: www.wmutheatre.com

Individual tickets can also be purchased at WMU’s Miller Auditorium.

CHECK YOUR PRIVILEGEDocumentary Theatre Created at WMUSeptember 26 – October 12

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORSby Richard BeanOctober 10 – 19

CYMBELINEby William ShakespeareOctober 24 – November 2

HAIRBook and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James RadoMusic by Galt MacDermotNovember 14 – 23

LATE NIGHT BROADWAYStarring Broadway’s Jeff BlumenkrantzDecember 4 – 6

THE WHALEby Samuel D. HunterJanuary 23 – February 8

GASLIGHTby Patrick HamiltonFebruary 6 – 15

CHARLOTTE’S WEBAdapted by Joseph Robinette Based on the book by E.B. WhiteMarch 20 – 29

TONY & TINA’S WEDDINGby Artificial IntelligenceMarch 26 – April 12

MAN OF LA MANCHABook by Dale WassermanMusic by Mitch LeighLyrics by Joe DarionApril 10 – 19

Art Direction: Nick Kuder/Paul Sizer, Design: The Design Center School of Art, Western Michigan University

NEW THIS SEASON!

All evening performances

start at 7:30 PM

York Arena Theatre

September 26 – October 12

26 27 7:30 PM2 3 4 7:30 PM5 2:00 PM10 11 7:30 PM12 2:00 PM

Check Your Privilege is an original piece of documentary theatre captured from eyes and experiences of Western Michigan University students, faculty, and staff. With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Check Your Privilege will explore and examine our diverse world on campus and challenge what we think we know about where we live. For mature audiences.

September 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

October 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Richard Bean’s award-winning play is a unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners. The permanently ravenous Francis Henshall finds himself working for both a gangster and a criminal in hiding, who are linked in a web of schemes & romance. To prevent discovery, Francis must do everything he can to keep his two guvnors apart.

October 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Shaw Theatre

October 10 – 19

10 11 7:30 PM16 17 18 7:30 PM19 2:00 PM

A free cabaret will follow the performance on October 11, 16, 17 & 18

“Letting loose and neutralizing all sorts of demons, it’s ideal escapism for anxious times.”

—The New York Times

“If you’re not having a good time at this show, you may be on the wrong medication.”

—The Hollywood Reporter

Production Sponsor

Join us in rediscovering this brilliant gem from Shakespeare’s most mature and experimental period. Complete with kings, gods, emperors, banished heroes, headstrong daughters, mistaken identities, lost princes, and evil stepmothers, Cymbeline mixes familiar elements from all of Shakespeare’s plays to create an epic fairy tale of love, jealousy, revenge, and redemption.

Williams Theatre

October 24 – November 2

24 25 7:30 PM26 2:00 PM30 31 1 7:30 PM2 2:00 PM

A free cabaret will follow the performance on October 25, 30, 31 & November 1

October 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

November 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

“… a late romance so fantastically convoluted that the characters themselves can’t help

expressing disbelief at what occurs. The plot, a stuffed sausage of Shakespearean story lines,

positively defies summary.” —LA Times

Trip into the 1960s with the Tony Awarding-winning musical featuring a long list of chart topping songs, including “Let the Sunshine In” and “Age of Aquarius.” Hair tells the popular story of bohemian life in New York City and the fight against the Vietnam War. Venture back to a time when the celebration of youth and the struggle for peace and love took the nation by storm. Contains nudity. For mature audiences.

Shaw Theatre

November 13 – 23

14 15 7:30 PM16 2:00 PM20 21 22 7:30 PM23 2:00 PM

A free cabaret will follow the performance on November 15, 20, 21, 22

November 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

“I dare anyone with a pulse to see Hair and not want to get up and dance, sing, clap

hands, or kiss your neighbor.” —Washingtonian

The Music Theatre Performance class of 2015 will share the stage with acclaimed Broadway actor and composer Jeff Blumenkrantz. Jeff Blumenkrantz has performed on Broadway in Into the Woods, Threepenny Opera, Damn Yankees, How to Succeed in Business…, and A Class Act, and in the City Center Encores production of Anyone Can Whistle. Jeff can be seen on camera in 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Ugly Betty, Will and Grace, Law and Order, and the New York Philharmonic’s telecasts of Sweeney Todd and Candide. Also a musical theatre composer/lyricist, Jeff received a Tony Award nomination as one of the co-writers of the score of Urban Cowboy. His songs have been recorded by Audra McDonald and Sutton Foster, among others.

Williams Theatre

December 4 – 6

4 5 6 7:30 PM6 2:00 PM

December 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Jeff Blumenkrantz is “…FEROCIOUSLY ENERGETIC.” — New York Times

On the outskirts of Mormon Country, Idaho, a six hundred pound recluse hides away in his apartment eating himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter, he reaches out to a crazy collection of friends and family. Big-hearted and fiercely funny, The Whale tells the bittersweet story of a man’s last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places. For mature audiences.

York Arena Theatre

January 23 – February 8

23 24 7:30 PM29 30 31 7:30 PM1 2:00 PM6 7 7:30 PM8 2:00 PM

January 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

February 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

“RIVETING. An impassioned and arresting clash of minds and emotions.”

—NY Observer

•Verb. Gas|li|ght: a form of psychological abuse in which false information is presented to the victim with the intent of making him/her doubt his/her

own memory and perception. Dark secrets and hidden history surround a sinister husband as he attempts to drive his gentle wife crazy. This Victorian mystery was made into a popular 1944 movie that starred Ingrid Bergman & Charles Boyer. Don’t miss this thriller that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Williams Theatre

February 6 – 15

6 7 7:30 PM12 13 14 7:30 PM15 2:00 PM

A free cabaret will follow the performance on February 7, 12, 13, 14

February 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

“The play retains all the delicious, shivery melodrama of an old movie.”

—New York Sun

Witness two unlikely comrads as they embark on a heartwarming adventure to discover what it means to be a true friend. Bring the whole family to this childhood favorite and experience together this simple and touching tale where one is taught that “A good life is much more important than having a long life.”

Shaw Theatre

March 20 – 29

20 7:30 PM21 1:00 PM27 7:30 PM28 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM29 2:00 PM

March 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

“As a piece of work it is just about perfect, and just about magical in the way it is done.”

—The New York Times

“I love this book. It is very sad and happy at the same time and

that is what I love about it.”—Evan, Age 9

Produced in collaboration with Education for the Arts

Production Sponsor

Back by popular demand!! Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vitale cordially invite you to Tony and Tina’s Wedding! After all, the next coolest thing to do after high school is to get married. With as many laughs as there are stereotypes, this big fat Italian wedding will have you feeling like you are a member of the family and thankful that you’re not! The event of the season is co-produced with the Millennium Restaurant Group and will be held at Cityscape in downtown Kalamazoo. Dinner theatre event, special pricing applies. For mature audiences.

Cityscape Events

March 26 – April 12

26 27 28 7:00 PM29 5:00 PM2 3 4 7:00 PM9 10 11 7:00 PM12 5:00 PM

March 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

April 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

“a sidesplitting ceremony”! —BroadwayWorld.com

Co-Produced WIth:

April 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Williams Theatre

April 10 – 19

10 11 7:30 PM12 2:00 PM16 17 18 7:30 PM19 2:00 PM

A free cabaret will follow the performance on March 11, 16, 17, 18

Come “Dream the Impossible Dream” with this five-time Tony award-winning musical! Accompany Miguel Cervantes as he fights to save his novel (and perhaps his life) when he is thrown into a dungeon upon the order of the Spanish Inquisition. Cervantes draws upon the sympathies of his fellow prisoners by reenacting the misadventures and romantic journey of Don Quixote. The inmates become caught up with Cervantes’ contagious imagination, and take part in this charming and inspiring play-within-a-play.

“Man of La Mancha has been one of Broadway’s most beloved and enduring musicals, involving the power of imagination, the power of faith, and how believing in something can change us

and change our lives.” —Broadway.com

OUR SEASON PASS = YOUR BEST DEALSeason Pass holders save money. Enjoy up to 40% off of regular ticket prices and enjoy the most significant savings for quality theatre in Kalamazoo. The Season Pass also offers extreme flexibility to accommodate your busy schedule. It’s a punch card

– you get 9 tickets to use any way you choose, and with whomever you choose!

9 TICKET THEATRE PASS PRICINGStandard $126 (save $8 per ticket)Senior, WMU Faculty/Staff $108 (save $6 per ticket)Theatre Guild* $99 (save $9 per ticket)

*With a donation of at least $125 to the University Theatre Guild

NOTE: Pass holders will be charged an additional $25 per ticket when making reservations for Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding

SINGLE TICKET PRICING

Standard Admission: $20Seniors (62 & up): $18WMU Faculty/Staff: $18Students: $10WMU Students**: $5

** One ticket per valid WMU Bronco ID. Sold in person only.

TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING - All Seats: $45Price includes a full service dinner and dessert.RSVP for 10 and save $5 per person!

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDEROnline: Visit www.wmutheatre.comPhone: Call 269-387-6222In Person: At the Gilmore Theatre Complex Box Office

DIRECTIONSThe Gilmore Theatre Complex is located on the campus of WMU right next door to Miller Auditorium

When searching online driving directions, use the following address:2200 Auditorium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

FREE PARKING is available in all lots outside of the Gilmore Theatre Complex & Miller Auditorium.

Gilmore Theatre ComplexMiller AuditoriumMiller Auditorium Parking

THE UNIVERSITY THEATRE GUILDINVEST IN THE EDUCATION OF TALENTED YOUNG THEATRE ARTISTS

The University Theatre Guild is a community of people from Kalamazoo to Colorado, and Portage to New York City, who value educational theatre and choose to nurture its growth at Western Michigan University. Contributing to the University Theatre Guild is an excellent way to show your love for the theatre and invest in the education of talented young theatre artists. Your tax-deductible gift will enrich the educational experience of theatre students and help pave the way to success in their chosen field.

YOUR GIFT WILL SUPPORT:• Studentscholarships• Studentaccesstoworldclassguestartists• Studentprofessionaldevelopmentsupport

THEATRE GUILD BENEFITS:• Enjoyexclusiveinvitationstospecialtheatreevents• GettoknowWMU’srisingtheatrestars• Interactwithvisitingguestartistsandfaculty• Receivediscountsonshowtickets

MAKE A GIFTOnline: Visit www.MyWMU.com/GuildPhone: Call the WMU concierge 269-387-8746

For questions about The University Theatre Guild, call us at 269-387-3226.

THE WMU DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE The Western Michigan Department of Theatre prepares and empowers the next generation of professionally engaged, community-minded, and culturally aware theatre artists. Through intensive experiential practice and inquiry-based education, our training fosters initiative and creative thinking. Our graduates are intentional learners – empowered, informed, responsible, and prepared to succeed in the professional world.

Faculty and StaffJoan Herrington Chair

Kevin Abbott Computer Imaging, Projections

Jay Berkow Music Theatre Performance

Brian Boyer Master Electrician

Cheryl Bruey Stage Management

Emily Duguay Arts Management

Lofton Durham Theatre History

Debra Gambino Academic Advisor

Matthew A. Knewtson Lighting and Sound Design

Dwandra Lampkin Theatre Performance

Mark Liermann Theatre Performance/Directing

Kathleen Mackenzie Costumer

Garrylee McCormick Wig Master

Patrick Niemi Technical Director

Dave Nofsinger Scenic Design

Ben Reigel Theatre Performance

Elizabeth Terrel Voice and Movement

Kathryn Wagner Costume Design

Lisa Wales Budget Officer

D. Terry Williams Chair Emeritus