Villanova Theatre 2011-12 Season Begins

Villanova Theatre is thrilled announces that David Cregan, O.S.A., Ph.D. has been named Chair of the Theatre Department of Villanova University. The 2011 - 12 Season begins tonight. Himself an alumnus of Villanova (BA '89), Fr. David is an associate professor of Theatre, and also teaches for the English Department. Before entering the Augustinian Order, Cregan spent four years in New York City working as a professional actor. He earned his Ph.D. in Drama Studies from the Samuel Beckett School of Drama at Trinity College in Dublin; his M.A. in Irish Studies from the Catholic University of America; his M.Phil in Irish Theatre and Film from Trinity; and his M.Div. from the Washington Theological Union. According to Cregan, his scholarly and artistic journey began here at Villanova, on the same campus where he currently teaches, directs, and celebrates Mass:

"Twenty-five years ago this fall I was cast in my first role in Vasey Theatre as a less-than-polished sophomore at Villanova. It is hard to believe that life has come full circle and that I am now the Chair of the same department that shaped my understanding of theatre and performance a quarter of a century ago. I have carried my Villanova education all over the United States and across the sea to Europe, and now I have made my way back home."

According to Associate Artistic Director Michael Hollinger, "David's energy, clarity of vision, and commitment to excellence both on stage and in the classroom make him an ideal Chair for the coming years, when we anticipate growth and change in many areas."

VILLANOVA THEATRE'S 2011 - 2012 SEASON

Villanova Theatre is equally pleased to announce our 2011-2012 Season, featuring The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare's fastest, funniest farce; Woman and Scarecrow, a haunting drama by Ireland's leading female playwright, Marina Carr; Museum, Tina Howe's whimsical rumination on the world of modern art; and Carousel, the timeless, tuneful Rodgers & Hammerstein love story.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
September 27 - October 9, 2011
written by William Shakespeare, directed by Shawn Kairschner
An unmitigated hoot." - The Daily Telegraph. Imagine you and your servant are separated at birth from your brother and his servant - two sets of identical twins. Imagine that, after years of estrangement, all four of you somehow wind up in the same town. Now imagine that your brother's wife mistakes you for him-but not before you've tried to seduce her sister! Fists will fly, doors will slam, and chaos will reign in a Comedy of Errors for the ages: uproarious, effervescent, and deliciously convoluted. Join us for a night of quick-witted, side-splitting comedy as we present Shakespeare's fastest, funniest farce.

WOMAN AND SCARECROW
November 8 - 20, 2011
written by Marina Carr, directed by Rev. David Cregan, O.S.A.
"Crammed with wild laughter and dense with unshed tears." - The Guardian. A woman on her deathbed faces the regrets of a life half-lived in this fierce and funny play by Ireland's leading female playwright. At once theatrical and richly poetic, Woman and Scarecrow stages an epic confrontation between a mother of eight and the specters of her haunted past. Lauded by critics as "powerful," "moving," and "lyrical," Marina Carr's spirited script is less about the loss of life than it is about the power and profundity of our time here on earth. Don't miss this Philadelphia-area premiere!

MUSEUM
February 7 - 19, 2012
Written by Tina Howe, directed by Joanna Rotté
"Characterized by comic exuberance" - New York Magazine. Has a work ofart ever left you feeling awe-struck, irate, melancholy or ill? Titillated, tickled, amused or confused? Museum brings together artaficionados, culture snobs, unruly undergrads, and one beleaguered security guard on the final day of a group show at a major art museum. The realshow, however, is the parade of nearly fifty colorful characters (playedby Villanova students, faculty, staff and alumni) who wreak havoc as theypass through the exhibit. This inspired, effervescent comedy by one of America's most inventive playwrights looks at people looking at art - to mirthful and moving effect.

CAROUSEL
March 27 - April 1 & April 10 - 22, 2012
Music by Richard Rodgers, book & lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, directed by Valerie Joyce
"The Best Musical of the 20th Century" - TIME Magazine. Written by the celebrated duo whose tuneful, heartfelt work came to define the Broadway musical, Carousel recounts the story of a naïve young woman who falls head-over-heels in love with a troubled young man. What begins as a sweet summer romance soon spirals out of control as the two lovers face hardship and heartache. Carousel is a powerful musical fable of passion and redemption, featuring such unforgettable songs as "June is Bustin' Out All Over," "If I Loved You," and the show-stopping "You'll Never Walk Alone." Join us as we reimagine this timeless classic!

All performances will be held in the 180-seat theatre in Vasey Hall, located at Ithan & Lancaster Avenues on the Villanova University campus. Show times are 8:00pm Tuesday - Saturday and 2:00pm Sunday. Tickets cost $21 - $25 with discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Discounted four-show subscription packages priced $64 - $80 are now available and may be ordered by calling the Villanova Theatre Box Office at (610) 519-7474.For more information, visit www.villanovatheatre.org.

ABOUT VILLANOVA THEATRE

The Villanova Theatre Department is a community of artist-scholars committed to transforming hearts and minds artistically and intellectually. Our work is fueled by personal commitment, collective talents, and innovation. Together, we are devoted to creating a vibrant theatre enriched by and overflowing with the ideas explored in our classrooms. As the producing arm of the Theatre Department at Villanova University, Villanova Theatre serves the campus community as well as thousands of theatre-goers from the Main Line and the Greater Philadelphia area. In all of our endeavors, we aim to share the dynamic experience of collaborative learning with our audiences in order to engage the intellect and stir the soul.

The Villanova University Theatre Department came into being in 1958 under the leadership of Dr. Dick Duprey. Today, Villanova's Department of Theatre offers both a Master of Arts degree and a Graduate Certificate in Practical Theatre. Students enrolled in the theatre program undergo a course of study that combines both scholarly and practical approaches to theatre. Guided by award-winning faculty and staff who are actively involved in the region's professional theatre industry, students gain knowledge and experience through hands-on production work and in-depth academic study in the areas of dramaturgy, script analysis, dramatic literature, playwriting, acting, and directing. Since 1995, Villanova's productions have been honored with 51 nominations and six Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre from the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.