ON CAMPUS AT VANGUARD:Theater department announces fall performance schedule

As the school year begins, the students, faculty and guest performers of Vanguard’s theater department are hard at work planning, organizing and rehearsing three productions for this fall’s lineup: “Side By Side By Sondheim,” “Saint Joan” and “Othello.”

Susan Berkompas, theater arts department chair and artistic producing director, said everyone works together and practices extensively for each production.

“It’s all about the team when we’re getting ready for a show,” Berkompas said. “It’s important to remember that it’s not just the performers who put in long hours getting ready for a show, it’s everyone behind the scenes and the window of the control booth, backstage in the costume shop, and in the lighting and sound areas. Those people are half responsible for the production and the production value.”

“Side By Side By Sondheim” is a musical tribute to composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim. It is a dazzling array of some of Sondheim’s best-known songs, featuring numbers from landmark shows that revolutionized musical theater with their masterful craft and astounding creativity. This 1977 “Best Musical” Tony Award-winner is a perfect introduction to Sondheim’s work and a must-see for die-hard fans. The performance runs from Sept. 22 to Oct. 7.

In “Saint Joan,” the masterpiece that led to George Bernard Shaw’s 1925 Nobel Prize for Literature, Joan of Arc is treated not only as a Catholic saint and martyr but also as a combination of practical mystic, heretical saint and inspired genius. A modern conceptualization and an all-female cast are incorporated in this rendition of the classic historic play. Joan, an adolescent farm maid, receives marching orders directly from God and leads the French army to victory over English occupation. “Saint Joan” will be presented from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.

“Othello,” widely regarded as one of Shakespeare’s top four works, is the masterpiece of tragedy that weaves together a tapestry of jealousy, betrayal and racism with integrity, loyalty and love. In the faithful dispatch of his military duties, Othello finds himself tossed between the waves of Desdemona’s passion and Iago’s deception. Able navigation through this classic tale is provided by guest actors Baron Kelly, as Othello, and Paul Eggington, as Iago. Performances of Othello will run from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10.

Berkompas said each of this season’s productions is important because they are all applicable to everyday life.

“The messages of these performances are still poignant in today’s society because of the themes and issues that we grapple with as humans in our everyday lives.”

This spring will be an exciting semester with three additional theatrical performances: “Cleopatra’s Wake,” “The Glass Menagerie/For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls,” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

In “Cleopatra’s Wake,” David McFadzean, creator of ABC’s “Home Improvement” with Tim Allen, reunites the Langland family to grieve over the passing of their father. When the unexpected and meddlesome Aunt Lillis arrives, questions arise regarding his death. The suspenseful and humorous story unfolds while cleverly weaving in lines from Shakespeare’s “Anthony and Cleopatra.”

In this pared-down presentation of Tennessee Williams’ classic “The Glass Menagerie,” Amanda Wingfield and her children, Tom and Laura, struggle through hard times and unfulfilled dreams. After intermission, the dark mood lightens up drastically via Christopher Durang’s deft parody of the story. The two plays counterpoint each other and create a memorable visit into Tom’s memories of his dysfunctional family.

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is a musical comedy of power, ambition and greed. In other words, it’s just another day at the office. This 1962 Pulitzer Prize-winner for drama and multiple Tony award-winning satire of big business depicts the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch from a lowly window washer to high-powered executive. Accompanying his meteoric rise are memorable songs that usher into the story a variety of personalities that he must either partner with or overcome to get to the top of the corporate ladder.

In addition to the impressive theatrical assemblage, the Lyceum Theater has undergone renovations that include new carpeting and permanent stadium seating. As a result, the theater has been upgraded from open to reserved seating.

Ticket prices for musicals are $15 for general admission and $10 for seniors and children. Non-musicals are $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors and children. Season subscriptions for all six shows are $50 and $45 for businesses. Groups of 10 or more receive a $2 per ticket discount. All sales are final.

The Vanguard University Lyceum Theater is a 200-seat venue. Doors open one-half hour before each performance. Please call in advance to reserve wheelchair-accessible seating.

Box-office hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact box office manager Bill Hughes at (714) 668-6145.