Published: May 28, 2009 05:26 pm         

ISU Crossroads Repertory Theatre productions have something for everyone

Indiana State University’s Crossroads Repertory Theatre is planning a season with something for everyone.

CRT Artistic Director Arthur Feinsod and Associate Artistic Director Christopher Berchild have teamed up to bring together a “Fantastick” season, with “Much Ado” for the entire community to enjoy.

Feinsod returns to CRT with the poetic theatrical elegance he has brought to the New Theatre stage for years and Berchild continues at CRT with his dazzling and dynamic use of technology and brilliant stage imagery, to bring a collaboration of theatrical minds that promises to bring a summer season to the Wabash Valley like one never seen before.

The four main-stage plays that will be performed this season were chosen for their ability to give the summer audiences something they will never forget. Besides exciting drama at every turn, there are many musical treats as well, with music from the 1930s gracing “Much Ado About Nothing,” Harvey Schmidt’s famous score for “The Fantasticks,” and eight original songs composed by musical director John Berst for the treasured family classic “The Velveteen Rabbit,” with lyrics by director Sharron Ammen.

“CRT wants our audiences to know that high-quality professional theater is available right here in Terre Haute, with summertime entertainment and enrichment for every member of the family,” Feinsod said.

Each year, CRT brings in a combination of talents, including professional directors, designers and actors from all over the United States, as well as actors from the Terre Haute community, along with the Indiana State University Theater Department’s most advanced students.

This summer, the community can expect such familiar faces on the CRT stage as Sharon Ammen, Amy Attaway, Koqunia Forté, Gigi Jennewein, Amanda Miller, Chuck Shutt and Brandon Wentz, as well beautiful lights, costumes and scenery by designers Michael Jackson, Sherry McFadden, Duane Skoog and Ann Warren.

Audience members are also invited to attend New Play Tuesdays, Sunday Talks (right after Sunday matinees), community tours of two of the shows and opening-night post-show dinners.

The first show of the season, opening June 19, is William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” directed by Chris Berchild. Widely known as one of the bard’s most entertaining comedies, this Shakespeare comedy tells the tale of two unlikely lovers who are simply too wise to woo! Developed by the creative team that brought you last year’s dazzling production of “Macbeth,” “Much Ado About Nothing” promises to be a visual and technological treat for all audiences!

Second in the CRT season is the ever-popular musical “The Fantasticks,” opening June 25. With music by Harvey Schmidt, book and lyrics by Tom Jones, and directed by Arthur Feinsod, this wonderful musical presents the love journey of Matt and Luisa, led by the dashing El Gallo and aided by a pair of flea-bitten actors, in a roller-coaster ride through humor, pathos, surprise and wonder … with favorite melodies at every turn.

For the young (or simply the young at heart), CRT presents Sharon Ammen’s new musical adaptation of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” opening July 2. Based on the book by Margery Williams, and with original music by John Berst, Ammen directs this classic tale of a toy rabbit and the little boy who loves him. Follow the quest of the rabbit to become “real” as he meets the wise Skin Horse, the arrogant Mechanical Toys, and the very beautiful Flower Fairy.

Finally, CRT presents “The Safety Net,” opening July 9. Written by Indiana State alum and Hollywood screenwriter/off-Broadway playwright Christopher Kyle and directed by Dale McFadden, this poignant comedy-drama introduces a family who, despite strains and confusion of limits, is doing its best to love one another.

“Come and share a show with us,” Berchild said. “You might just have fun.”

For more information about the season, call the ISU Theater Department at (812) 237-3334.