“A…My Name is Alice” promotional image. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
University Park, IL-(ENEWSPF)- This November, you could be one of an intimate group of audience members to witness the return of a true cultural gem – a production from the newly reinstated Theatre and Performance Studies Program at Governors State University. The program, under the direction of GSU’s Dr. Patrick Santoro, kicked off its public performance schedule last April with two sold-out performances of Anne Sexton’s Transformations. Securing a seat to the fall production of “A…My Name is Alice,” on November 6 – 8, promises to be an equally coveted treat.
“A…My Name is Alice” is a musical revue conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd. Playful, funny, sophisticated, and insightful, it consists of a series of songs and sketches portraying women of all ages and types in a variety of situations and relationships. Alice made its Off-Broadway debut in 1983 and offers us a glimpse into the historical fight for gender equality while also asking us to consider women’s experiences and how they have shifted in the last 30 years. The play features a cast of staff and students from GSU and community members.
Cast members are Killeen McClowry, of Frankfort; Aarika Hughes, of Monee; Lorell Jones, of Chicago; Lois Nemeth, of Chicago Heights; Deirdre L. Webb, of Chicago Heights, with Music Direction by Dr. Stacy Eckert, Choreography by Megan Lindsay and Stage Management by Joshua Young.
Director and Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at Governors State University, Dr. Patrick Santoro said, “I’ve wanted to direct “A…My Name is Alice” since the 90s when I was first introduced to one of its songs—“The Portrait”—that poetically tells the story of a woman lost in the world remembering her mother. Around the same time, I encountered one of the revue’s scenes—“Hot Lunch”—that captures the exchange between a woman on the street and a male construction worker (also played by a woman) where things go hysterically wrong. I enjoy the fact that “Alice” is both a comedy and a drama, a work that presents a multifaceted look at women’s experiences. While “Alice” will spend much of its time making you laugh, it will also provide more touching moments.”
“A…My Name is Alice” will be presented for three nights only, on Nov 6, 7 and 8, at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $10 for the public and $5 for students. Patrons will be seated on the stage, with performers up close, so only 90 people will be admitted per night.
To purchase tickets, or for further information, contact GSU Center’s box office at CenterTickets.net or call (708) 235-2222. The box office is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances.
GSU Center for Performing Arts is located on the campus of Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois.
