Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Department of Theatre and Dance is bringing two classics to campus this semester, with a “Footloose” production scheduled to begin Feb. 22 and “Macbeth” set for April.
Each production’s selection process is traditionally done by the program coordinators and is a comprehensive and tedious project. Once the shows are selected, the harder work begins. Putting a show together can take thousands of combined person-hours per show among the director, designers, students and production manager.
“Footloose”
By Dean Pitchford, Walter Bobbie and Tom Snow
Directed by Stephanie Faatz-Murry (guest director)
Feb. 22-24 and 29 and March 2 at 7:30 p.m.; March 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Courtyard Theatre
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. “Footloose” celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another and the power of forgiveness.
Megan Euler, production manager for the Department of Theatre and Dance, said “Footloose” was chosen for many reasons, including the large number of characters and opportunities for students, the fun and recognizable music and the message/theme being something that our society continues to struggle with: “Love and respect for young people begin where censorship and manipulation end.”
“Macbeth”
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Carrie Colton, faculty member in Performance
April 11-13 and 18-20 at 7:30 p.m.; April 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Studio Theatre
Adult themes
A Scottish general, Macbeth, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that he will become king of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. Wracked with guilt and paranoia, he commits more and more murders. He soon becomes a tyrannical ruler. The bloodbath and consequent civil war swiftly take Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into the realms of madness and death.
“Macbeth was chosen for its style,” Euler said. “We work to provide performance opportunities in all theatrical styles and genres. This is also a production with a lot of stage combat. Last year, Carrie Colton certified 42 students in Level 1 Stage Combatant, and we currently have enough trained students to be able to safely and effectively produce this production.”
