Belmont Abbey College

The 2007 - 2008 Performing Arts Season Schedule

All performances begin at 8:00 P.M.

THE COMPLEAT WRKS OF WLLM SHKSPR (abridged)

By Jess Borgeson, Adam Long and Daniel Singer

Directed by Simon Donoghue

8:00 P.M.

 Shakespeare writ small, as you might like it! . . . .Pithier-than-Python Parodies . . The New York Times. ABSL HLRS  The Independent (London) Shakespeare as written by Reader's Digest, acted by Monty Python, and performed at the speed of the minute waltz. Los Angeles Herald. Stupendous, anchorless joy! The London Times.

On-Line Box Office

THE TRIAL OF THE CATONSVILLE NINE

By Daniel Berrigan, SJ

Directed by Simon Donoghue

A dramatic play is created from an edited transcript of the trial of the Rev. Philip and Daniel Berrigan and their seven confederates who in 1968 entered a Selective Service office, removed records and burned them in a parking lot to protest the war in Vietnam and the horrors of napalm bombings.

 "A positively riveting play, even though the verdict is a matter of history. The eloquence of the defendants, the cold duty of the prosecution, the dry, puzzled compassion of the far from unsympathetic judge, are woven by Father Berrigan into a theatro political account of this political act.... [that is] almost an instant replay of a politically theatrical gesture." N.Y. Times.

"Eloquent, powerful and moving. Artistic and jolting theatre." CBS TV.

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ROBIN   HOOD

By Don Nigro

Directed by Jill Bloede.

8:00 P.M.

In a land where the rich get richer and the poor are starving, Prince John wants to cut down Sherwood Forest to put up an arms manufactory, a slaughterhouse and a tennis court for the well- to-do. This epic unites elements of wild farce and ancient mythologies with an environmentalist assault on the arrogance of wealth and power in the face of poverty and hunger using feeble and insane jesters, a demonic snake oil salesman, a corrupt and lascivious court, a singer of eerie ballads, a gluttonous friar and a world of other grotesque characters out of a Brueghel painting. Maid Marian loses  her illusions among the poor and Robin tries to avoid murder and elude the Dark Monk of the Wood who is Death and perhaps something more.

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ABBEY PLAYERS CHRISTMAS

8:00 P.M.

An evening of music and festive readings of the season.

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Love's Labour's Lost

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Simon Donoghue

The King of Navarre and his three companions swear a very public oath to study together and to renounce women for three years. Their honour is immediately put to the test by the arrival of the Princess of France and her three lovely companions. It's love at first sight for all concerned followed by the men's highly entertaining but hopeless efforts to disguise their feelings. The 2007-2008 Shakespeare Series play will be filled with the music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin!

On-Line Box Office

Night and Her Stars

By Richard Greenberg

Directed by Jill Bloede

8:00 P.M.

A probing study of greed and power, exploring America's need for a hero; the transformation of the new medium of television as a subversive power; and the corrupting influence of fame. Based on the real events of the legendary Congress inquiry into the Quiz-Show scandals of the 1950s. ".Greenberg has lavished on his densely themed work some gorgeous language, keen wit, and smart thinking." -Village Voice. " Mr. Greenberg has provided some lovely, subtly shaded moments for Mr. Van Doren and Mr. Stempel in which the men realize that television has forever changed their sense of what they know and how they know it." -NY Times.

An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Riding hood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch...who raps?

They're all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale.

One of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies, Macbeth is a story that is about one man and his struggle between good and evil. Macbeth develops and progresses into the possession of evil by his own desires. The choices and decisions he makes continually sink him deeper and deeper into the horrifying reality that is his. Everyone's morals are tested in this well-balanced tragedy. Shakespeare has created a masterpiece that will surely enchant us all in its adventure.

2005 - Past Performances:

What does an eccentric, grumpy old woman, a caring mother, a stunning – yet stubborn daughter, a town gossip, a beauty shop owner, and a devoutly religious wallflower all have in common? They are just a few of the outrageous characters in STEEL MAGNOLIAS (by Robert Harling), a touching, modern-day story of a close-knit circle of friends whose lives are seasoned with happiness and tragedy.

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR is a touching, yet funny, look into the lives of four mentally and emotionally challenged men who live in a communal residence under the watchful eye of a sincere, but increasingly despairing, social worker. The Off-Broadway production sheds some compassionate light on a number of serious social issues and offers a loving and painful glimpse into the lives of these special men as they deal with everyday life.

Met with many awards and critical praise in New York and London, A Man for All Seasons is the story of Sir Thomas More in his last years as Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of Henry VIII. Unable to obtain a divorce from Catherine of Aragon by the Pope so he can marry Ann Boleyn, Henry VIII rebels by requiring his subjects to sign an Act of Supremacy making him both spiritual and temporal leader of England. More refuses, wanting only to maintain his integrity and belief in silence. But his actions lead to accusations of treason, and his silence puts him on a deadly path.

For more information, contact the Abbey Box Office at 704.461.6787 or ticket discounts at APBCT@aol.com.