RU Theatre Preview

The Theatre and Dance Department at Rowan University is gearing up for an exciting theatrical season, both inside and outside the Tohill Theatre.

At the Tohill Theatre beginning this November, audiences will be treated to a new show written by OBIE Award winning director, John Clancy. “The Last Days of Dr. Jekyll” tells the story of a young research scientist, Edward Jekyll, who falls upon research manuscripts tracing his family tree back to the famous Dr. Jekyll and his infamous creation: Mr. Hyde.

Guest artist Peter Clerke and choreographer Melanie Stewart direct a cast of 15, including seniors Rachel O’Hanlon-Rodriguez a 21 year old theater and dance major and Jodi Dever, a 26 year old theater performance major.

“It’s going to be an interesting show,” O’Hanlon-Rodriguez said. “We’re hoping to take it on tour to the Philly Fringe Festival.”

The Philadelphia Live Arts Festival (Philly Fringe) provides opportunities for artists based in the Philadelphia area produce their work to new audiences and helps guide young artists to become independent producers.

“We’ll be representing Rowan in the process of moving our show to the festival,” Dever said.

Finishing the fall semester this December, audiences will be refreshed with a conceptual piece by the Dance Extensions program at Rowan. “Play,” directed by guest artist Claire Porter, will explore imagination and reality through dance.

“It will be about what the word ‘play’ means and how we express it,” said senior theater and dance major Michele Mizeski.

According to a recent news release, “Play” will balance the various forms of fun in our free time, play of creation, play of performance and the work of play.

This February, theater students will have a chance to experience a 17th century comedic classic with the play “The Misanthrope.” Written by French playwright Moliere, “The Misanthrope” explores how an honest moral man, Alceste, falls in love with the beautiful yet foolish Celimene. “The Misanthrope” reminds us how  funny it is to watch two fools fall in love.

Rounding out the main stage season is perhaps what the most buzz is about. The theater department is teaming up with the music department to bring Rowan one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

“Fiddler on the Roof” brings the obscure village of Anatevka to life, where a poor Jewish dairy-farmer dreams of being a rich man while raising five young daughters. “Fiddler on the Roof” has touched audiences for years and endured multiple successful runs on Broadway.

The reason that this production draws attention is because it’s the first time in five years that the two departments have teamed up to produce a musical.

“I think it’s going to be pretty interesting,” O’Hanlon-Rodriguez said. “I think they’ll do a fantastic job.”

Tohill Theatre, however, is not the only place to experience great theater at Rowan. The Lab Theatre in Bunce Hall is currently rehearsing “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” directed by senior theater performance major, Kerry Baglivio.

The Rowan University Musical Theatre Company is also taking over the Boyd Recital Hall for two musicals. This fall we’ll be seeing “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” and “Godspell” in the spring.

Finally, The Rowan Sketch and Improv Club will take the Lab Theatre for an evening of fun in early December.

“It’ll be an hour and a half show with comedy, improv and sketches,” said senior radio/tv/film major Steve Grande.