CSUF Fall Dance Theatre Features World Renowned Choreographers, Warriors, Homeless And Personal Demons

Four internationally renowned dancer/choreographers are joining student choreographers to create timely, often politically inspired dance pieces as part of the California State University, Fullerton, Fall Dance Theatre, running November 29-December 9, 2018 in the Little Theatre on campus.

"Set to the glorious music of Schubert's 'Unfinished Symphony,' 'Recent Arrivals' is a homage to those who have left their homelands to come to America, many with little more than the clothes on their backs," explains California State University, Fullerton Guest Choreographer Colin Connor. "They have come here from a multitude of countries and the rich tapestry of this country has been fed by them and their bravery." Mr. Connor's over fifty choreographic commissions span the worlds of contemporary, ballet and flamenco companies and his works have been presented at numerous venues across the Americas and Europe. Born in London, he was appointed as the Artistic Director of Limón Dance Company in July, 2016.

Alvin Rangel choreographs "Derelict" to the music of Alec Chojnacki, inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. For over 20 years, Alvin Rangel has enjoyed an international career as a performer, choreographer, educator and artist/scholar. He began his professional career performing ballet and jazz in his native Puerto Rico. "Derelict" concerns five "warriors" who have lost their home - physically, mentally, and spiritually.

"Bach for Joy," choreographed by Muriel Joyce, is a classical ballet piece inspired by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach's "Concerto in C Minor for Oboe and Violin." Mrs. Joyce has performed in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and America, and began her professional career with the National Bavarian Ballet in Munich, Germany and studied at the Mudra International School of the Performing Arts in Jaipur, India.

The second act features "The Light Within" by Macarena Gandarillas, telling the story of a man who encounters a swan while struggling to face the demons from his past. Ms. Gandarillas has toured the USA and Canada and has appeared on "The Academy Awards," "Solid Gold," "Motown 25 Years" and "On-Stage America." She has performed with many of America's premiere performers, including Chita Rivera, Debbie Allen, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Bob Hope and Dolly Parton.

Additional choreographers include Dennzyl Green ("Missing Piece"), Emily Ploense ("Sentry"), Jacquelyn Maloney ("Organized Chaos") and A'Kaila Willis ("In A State of Being").

Scenic designs are coordinated by Fred Kinney, lighting design is coordinated by Lois Bryan, costume designs are coordinated by Hyun Sook Kim, and sound design is by Michelle Tharp and Scott Garner.

Fall Dance Theatre plays at 8 pm on November 29, 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8 and at 2 pm on December 2, 9.

General admission tickets are $14 ($12 with advance Titan Discount purchase for students, seniors or with a CSUF ID). All tickets are $14 at the door. Tickets are available by calling (657) 278-3371, 11 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday and online.

The spring semester begins with "The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Chekhov, directed by Maria Cominis with Svetlana Efremova. The play runs from March 8-24, 2019 in the Young Theatre on campus. Soon to follow in the spring season is Ellen McLaughlin's adaption of Aristophanes' "Lysistrata," directed by Rufus Bonds Jr., and "Heathers The Musical," directed by James R. Taulli with music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O'Keefe. Finally, the CSUF season will close with the annual, "Spring Dance Theatre," coordinated by Gladys Kares.

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