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NEWS RELEASE 2-3-09 Contacts: ISU Theatre Announces Spring Season AMES, Iowa – Four diverse ISU Theatre productions are lined up for the spring 2009 season at Iowa State University. “On the Open Road,” “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail,” “Gypsy,” and “Vinegar Tom” complete the list of opportunities to see an ISU-produced play this spring. “On the Open Road” is a student show that follows two men in the midst of a desperate struggle for freedom. It will be performed at the Maintenance Shop, Memorial Union on February 19 – 22. “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail” is scheduled for February 27-28 & March 1, 6-8 in Fisher Theater. The two-act play is based on the early life of Henry David Thoreau leading up to his night spent in jail in Concord, Mass. This year’s Stars Over VEISHEA performance is “Gypsy,” which was called “the greatest of all American musicals” by The New York Times. The musical runs April 15-19 in Fisher Theater. “Vinegar Tom” completes the 2009 ISU Theatre season as an edgy and provocative play set in 17th century England. This play is for mature audiences only and is slated for April 30 & May 1-3at theMaintenance Shop, Memorial Union. The 2009 spring ISU Theatre season includes: ON THE OPEN ROAD Two men, Al and Angel, are both in the midst of a desperate struggle for freedom. They roam the post apocalyptic landscape, looting bombed out churches and museums, while amassing a cartload of treasures which they hope will help them buy their way into the "Land of the Free." As with any noble pursuit, there are obstacles to overcome, and their pilgrimage to reach this place of refuge away from the agonies of civil war guides them through periods of self-discovery and realization toward an ultimate charge to execute a troublemaker named Jesus Christ. At the road's end, we discover Al and Angel with their arms wide open, ready to face the ultimate freedom they have attained. THE NIGHT THOREAU SPENT IN JAIL While Henry David Thoreau was living his solitary life by Walden Pond, President James K. Polk declared war on Mexico without Congressional approval. To protest this as well as his hatred of slavery, Thoreau refused to pay his taxes and was sent to jail in Concord, Mass. This script examines relationships, education, and government from the perspective of a man who heard "a different drummer" and believed that one individual could make a difference by standing on principle. The moving and inspiring result is one of the most produced plays in the United States. GYPSY Everything will be coming up roses as Stars Over VEISHEA returns in 2009 with the stunning classic musical GYPSY! As the quintessential stage mother, Rose pushes timid Louise into the burlesque spotlight, where she is reborn as the notorious Gypsy Rose Lee, whose memoirs inspired the musical. Living vicariously through her daughter's success, Rose lusts for stardom of her own. This legendary tale of the highs and lows of theatrical passion was called “the greatest of all American musicals” by The New York Times. It has starred Ethel Merman, Rosalind Russell, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters and Patti Lapone, and features the unforgettable gems "Everything's Coming up Roses," "Together," and "Let Me Entertain You." VINEGAR TOM It is 17th century England and everywhere women are being tried for witches. The poor, the defiant and the sexually active are all targeted by religious leaders for supposed liaisons to the devil. Vinegar Tom (named after a cat believed to transport messages from Satan to women) explores fear, religious hypocrisy and exploitation by following the lives of seven women. Written by world-renowned playwright, Caryl Churchill, Vinegar Tom draws disturbing parallels between the 1600s and present day by mixing contemporary music with period scenes. Edgy and provocative, this play is for mature audiences only due to its sexual content, language, and violence. For more information, visit http://www.theatre.iastate.edu/. -30-
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