LOS ANGELES: The University of California–Los Angeles School of Theater, Film and Television (UCLA TFT) has announced its theatrical season for the upcoming academic year, a lineup that includes works by playwrights Caryl Churchill, Sarah Ruhl, and Dea Loher.
“UCLA TFT theatre students are among the best and brightest,” said department of theatre chair Brian Kite. “This is evident in the extraordinary work they create throughout the year as they explore cutting-edge theatrical styles as well as classic artistry. This can also be seen in their performances during our eclectic theatre season, which will undoubtedly captivate our audiences.”
The season will begin with a production of Cloud Nine (Nov. 6–14), Churchill’s timehopping exploration of sexuality and repression in British Africa and the United Kingdom. April Shawhan will direct.
Next is David Tushingham’s translation of Life on the Praca Roosevelt (Nov. 13–21), an intriguing drama of Sao Paolo life from contemporary German playwright Loher. Marike Splint will direct a cast of MFA candidates.
Lainie’s Cabaret at UCLA: Celebrating Frank Sinatra (Nov. 19–21) will follow. A compilation of Ol’ Blue Eyes classics, the concert features the UCLA Jazz Orchestra and undergraduate students from UCLA’s Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program. Broadway actress Lainie Kazan will direct.
Eurydice (Jan. 29–Feb. 6, 2016), Ruhl’s retelling of the classic myth, kicks off the university’s winter-quarter season. Darcie Crager will direct.
Mozart’s comic opera Cossi fan tutte (Feb. 12–21, 2016) will follow. Director Peter Kazaras and conductor Neal Stulberg will present this collaboration between Opera UCLA and UCLA Philharmonia with support from the Max H. Gluck Foundation.
Next is Ellen Lauren’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (March 4–12, 2016), featuring MFA actors from the university’s theatre department.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel (May 6–14, 2016), the classic musical of second chances and misguided youth, will follow. A Roy Bolger Musical Theater production, Carousel will feature stage direction by Jeremy Mann, musical direction by Dan Belzer, and Agnes de Mille’s original choreography.
Carmen (May 27–June 4, 2016), Peter Brook’s theatrical adaptation of the 1875 opera, closes out the season. Maxim Kuzin will direct.
