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News Release

Last modified: Tuesday, March 10, 2009

IU's Brown County Playhouse announces 61st season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2009

NASHVILLE, Ind. -- This year, Indiana University's Brown County Playhouse will celebrate its 61st consecutive summer season, and this summer's lineup offers something for everyone, from the hilarious There Goes the Bride to the poignant Driving Miss Daisy.

A treasured Nashville tradition since 1949, the Brown County Playhouse continues to offer memorable theatrical events performed by both professional actors and talented student actors from IU's Department of Theatre and Drama.

"Performing at the Brown County Playhouse thrusts our students into a professional setting," said John Kinzer, publicity director for the Department of Theatre and Drama. "They're working with a professional schedule and shorter, but more concentrated rehearsal periods. This summer's student actors will really have the chance to showcase their vocal and dramatic range, as well as having the chance to learn from the professional actors in their midst."

The All Night Strut!, June 11-14, 17-21, 24-28, July 1-5 -- A musical with music and lyrics by legendary American songwriters conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Fran Charnas, directed and choreographed by Emmy Award-winner George Pinney, IU professor in the Department of Theatre and Drama.

"An entertainment machine . . . you're guaranteed a satisfying selection." -- LA Times

The All Night Strut! soars and sings to the matchless music and dynamic dances of the '30s and '40s, lifting the audience from the Depression through the post World War II boom on waves of blues, jazz and classic favorites by legendary composers of the American songbook. You'll be tapping your toes to songs made famous by Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, George and Ira Gershwin, and many more. With a special curtain time on the Fourth of July, there'll be no better way to prepare for fireworks.

There Goes the Bride, July 10-12, 16-19, 22-26, 29-31, Aug. 1-2 -- A comedy by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, directed by Bruce Burgun

"As carefree summertime fare, it doesn't flop, ever." -- Philadelphia Inquirer

Getting a bride ready is always a trying time, but when the bride's mother is "helped" by interfering relatives -- and the bride's father, after bumping his head, falls in love with a furiously funny flapper only he can see -- this carefully planned wedding disintegrates into hilarious chaos. Can the family lead the wayward father and his daughter down the aisle before the newly arrived "In-Laws" abandon the wedding? Join the crowd at the Brown County Playhouse for an evening that will leave you laughing all the way home.

Present Laughter, Aug. 7-9, 13-16, 19-23 -- A comedy by Noël Coward, directed by Brown County Playhouse Producer Jonathan Michaelsen

"Sinfully charming . . . sharp . . . funny." --New York Times

Friends, lovers, relatives and adoring fans sparkle like fine champagne around a popular, if pampered, aging stage star, Garry Essendine. While Garry prepares for his upcoming theatrical tour of Africa, his elegant London flat is invaded by a love-struck ingénue, an adulterous producer, a married seductress and an aspiring -- and quite mad -- playwright, not to mention Garry's estranged wife. Laugh as Garry, with typical Coward repartee and dazzling wit, navigates his way through the mounting comic chaos.

Driving Miss Daisy, Sept. 25-27, Oct. 2-4. 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30, Nov. 1 -- By Pulitzer Prize-winner Alfred Uhry, directed by 24-year Brown County Playhouse veteran Dale McFadden

"So wise and humane . . . carries a big emotional punch." --Washington Post

After an aging Daisy crashes her car, her son Boolie hires a driver for her -- under protest. Warm and wise, this amusing American masterpiece follows the developing friendship of a feisty Southern widow and a dignified, resilient African American chauffeur named Hoke. With insightful humor, Hoke drives Daisy and the audience through 25 years of tumultuous American history, finally winning Daisy's heart. He will win yours too.

Brown County Playhouse tickets go on sale April 1. Check theatre.indiana.edu starting today for ticket details.

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