Sonoma State University's Department of Theatre Arts & Dance Announces 2016/2017 Season

Sonoma State University's Department of Theatre Arts & Dance announces its 2016 to 2017 performance season, showcasing the emerging talents of SSU students studying theater arts, dance and music. The season features four main stage productions and two presentations at Ives Hall appealing to the student body and the community.

The performance season kicks off with a play with 1940s era music, "Waiting for the Parade," a lively play featuring 1940s era music following five Calgary women coping with civilian life during World War II.

The season continues with an all ages holiday tale, "The Bluebird," followed by Mozart's "The Magic Flute," directed by Lynne Morrow and Amanda McTique, co-produced with SSU's Dept. of Music. SSU's Dept. of Theatre Arts & Dance also presents two contemporary dance concerts and a festival of short plays written and performed by students.

Tickets are $5 to $17. Sonoma State University students receive two free tickets to every show with a valid student ID. Tickets are $10 non-SSU students and seniors; $15 Sonoma State University Faculty, Staff and Alumni; and $17 general admission. On special "Friends and Family Nights," all tickets are $5 with free admission for SSU Faculty, Staff and Alumni. Three free 10 a.m. matinees are offered to visiting K through 12 student groups.

Sonoma State University is located at 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928. For tickets or more information call the box office at 707-664-4246 or visit the website at www.sonoma.edu/tix

Sonoma State University Dept. of Theatre Arts & Dance 2016 to 2017 Season features the following productions:

"Waiting for the Parade"
By John Murrell
Directed by Danielle Cain
Oct. 13 to Oct. 23, 2016 - Studio 76 / Ives Hall
Set in Calgary during World War II, five women gather to work for the war effort while men they love are away. The women discover their own battles as they respond to civilian life during the war. Music from 1940's underscore this play which highlights dynamics and tensions as it reflects the paradox of war. "Waiting for the Parade" demonstrates how perseverance and character is revealed under the pressure of extraordinary circumstances.

"Heart & Soul" Fall Dance Concert
Featuring original student choreography
Directed by Christine Cali
Nov. 3 to Nov. 6, 2016 - Evert B. Person Theatre
Fearless, new and cutting edge, Sonoma State's talented dance artists perform "Heart" and "Soul," two powerful and explosive main stage dance concerts presented at separate performances. Full of raw energy, movement and emotion, Fall Dance Concert features student-inspired, original choreography including hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and ballet pieces. Also highly produced with SSU theatre tech students' lighting and set designs, every piece embodies a culmination of effort and collaborative spirit guaranteed to entertain and keep audiences on The Edge of their seat.

"The Bluebird"
By Maurice Maeterlinck
Adapted by Alison Farina
Directed by Judy Navas
Dec. 1 to Dec. 10, 2016 - Evert B. Person Theatre

An enchanting fairy-tale, "The Bluebird" is about a child's Christmas wish to find the "Bluebird of Happiness." The child's fantastic journey spans Lands of Memory, Palaces of Night and Luxury and the Kingdom of the Future and encounters adventures, friends, enemies and perhaps the secret of true happiness. "The Bluebird" is an all ages show that provides a unique and meaningful message for the holiday season.

"The Magic Flute"
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder
Direction by Lynne Moore / Stage direction by Amanda McTigue
Co-produced by the SSU Depts. of Music and Theatre Arts & Dance
Feb. 23 to March 5, 2017 - Evert B. Person Theatre

A noble prince sets out to rescue a beautiful princess and ensure the triumph of truth and justice in this musical fantasy adventure where good battles forces of evil. Mozart's final opera is beloved for its blend of fantastical storytelling, appealing characters, Shakespearean scope, emotional range and exquisite beauty of its music.

"Spring Dance Concert 2017"
Global Dance Stamp: U.S. and Asian Contemporary Dance Exchange
Directed by Christine Cali and Jennifer Meek
April 21 to April 29, 2017 - Evert B. Person Theatre

Electric and inspiring, the "Spring Dance Concert" features powerful, physical choreography in new works, presented by Christine Cali and acclaimed guest artists.Each piece is carefully crafted to convey a message, insight or shared experience using movement, light and music.

"Power Lines: A New Play Festival with Hard Hats"
Written by Sonoma State University students
Festival director Scott Horstein
May 4 to May 13, 2017 - Ives Hall 119 / Ives Hall
A festival of new plays written, directed and designed by Sonoma State University students.

IF YOU GO:

LOCATION: Sonoma State University
1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Evert B. Person Theatre and Ives Hall are accessed through the main entrance to Sonoma State University.

PARKING: From the South entrance on East Cotati Avenue, turn right at the stop sign in front of the information kiosk. Park in Lots E (left) and F (right). Parking in SSU lots is $5 at all times. Permits may be purchased from the vending machines located at the entrance to parking lots, or at toll booths when available. FREE school bus parking is available in Lot N, near the Green Music Center.

TICKET PRICES: $5 to $17. Admission prices from $5 to $17. Sonoma State University students are admitted free to all productions with valid student ID. Tickets are $10 non-SSU students and seniors; $15 Sonoma State University Faculty and Staff; and $17 standard admission. "$5 Friends & Family Night" on select Thursdays (and two Fridays) feature $5 admission for all ticket buyers. SSU faculty and staff receive free admission at these performances.

PHONE / BOX OFFICE: 707-664-4246
The box office is located on the first floor of the Student Center. On performance nights, depending on the venue, the Person Theatre or Ives Hall box office will open one hour prior to the event start time. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and one hour prior to all performances. Contact the box office at 707-664-4246 or email tickets@sonoma.edu

WEB SITE: http://www.sonoma.edu/tix