Tag Archives: Northern Kentucky University

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University | School of the Arts | Program of Theatre and Dance presents THE GRAPES OF WRATH September 29 – October 9, 2016. Performances will take place in the Corbett Theatre in the Fine Arts Center.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH
By Frank Galati | From the novel by John Steinbeck
September 29 – October 9, 2016 | NKU Corbett Theatre

A powerful and deeply affecting stage version of one of the masterpieces of American literature, there’s a reason why THE GRAPES OF WRATH is a classic. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story’s themes—endurance, sacrifice, and family—are no less powerful today than they were 77 years ago, when John Steinbeck penned the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This Tony Award-winning stage adaptation follows the Joad family on their flight from the dust bowl of Oklahoma, culminating in a soaring and deeply moving affirmation of the indomitability of the human spirit.

We sat down with director and theatre faculty member Corrie Danieley to get the inside scoop on THE GRAPES OF WRATH. Read on to learn more about Danieley’s unique approach to the show.

How familiar were you with THE GRAPES OF WRATH before you started diving into the play?

Corrie Danieley: I had read the play a long while ago and have a love for Steinbeck. His language is devastatingly poetic and beautiful – I fell in love with how he captures the human spirit and our connection to the earth.

Are there any special challenges in bringing one of the “Great American Novels” to life?

CD: I guess it’s that most everyone has read or seen some version of it before and to live up to any expectation is a challenge. My approach is to experience this production as a new piece – to get out of the way of the language and let the story tell itself. It’s beautiful as it is – I don’t want to get in the way of it.

What inspirations did you share with your cast and creative team?

CD: Visual research a big piece of the process for me – and I have pictures hung up in my office so I can continue to let the atmosphere of the world continue to speak to me throughout the whole process. I’ve included some very iconic pictures from the Dust Bowl – lots of pictures of families struggling, tragic poverty, endless horizons, and a deep sense of longing – longing for what they had, what they want, and to feel whole again. I have lots of pictures on acts of nature, the prairie, mountains… the novel speaks so eloquently of nature and it’s echoed in the people as well.

What role does music play in this production?

CD: Music is throughout the play – it’s written in the script. We have a talented student band I have affectionately titled “Hobo Band”. They include a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and harmonica. The Hobo Band will sometimes all play together, sometimes separately – but they’re all mobile instruments that many of the Dust Bowl families would have taken with them. Music styles include: hymns, Woody Guthrie, Carl Sandberg, square dance music, and waltz. The role for music is to help recreate mood, parallel the struggle and joys of the journey, and also reflect the historical time period.

What has been most surprising about directing this work at NKU?

CD: Most everyone I talk to about this show recognizes the title and they also get a smile across their face. Everyone seems to have a connection and affection for this story.

For more information call the NKU School of the Arts Box Office at 859.572.5464 or visit theatre.nku.edu

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University | School of the Arts | Program of Theatre and Dance presents INTO THE WOODS April 21 – May 1, 2016. Performances will take place in the Corbett Theatre in the Fine Arts Center.

INTO THE WOODS
By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
April 21 – May 1, 2016 | NKU Corbett Theatre

In this timeless musical, your favorite fairytales are flipped upside down and given a hefty dose of reality to boot. You might think you know the real stories of Little Red, Cinderella, Jack, and Rapunzel, but when a Baker and his wife learn of the curse placed upon their house by the witch next door, their quest to break the spell will cause fairytales to collide. As expected, wishes are granted and dreams come true, but in this modern classic, ‘happily ever after’ is not always what it seems: wishes have consequences, princes have flaws, and giants seek revenge.

We sat down with director and theatre faculty member Jamey Strawn to get the inside scoop on INTO THE WOODS. Read on to learn more about Strawn’s unique approach to the show.

How is your telling of the story unique? What led you to your approach to the show?

Jamey Strawn: INTO THE WOODS has been around for over 30 years. It seems everyone is familiar with it in some way or another, whether through viewing the production live or online, participating in a production, or viewing the movie. After much discussion with the design team, we decided to set the show in a Library. From the very first “Once Upon a Time,” the library will come to life with the stories interwoven. As the characters discover and attain their wants and needs, the library will begin to show the burden of consequence and ultimately become deconstructed when there is no more story left to follow. Setting the show in an alternate location provides us the freedom to explore relationships in a new way.

You certainly know your way around the works of Stephen Sondheim. Do you have an affinity for his work? What makes his musicals so enduring?

JS: There is no question that Sondheim is the greatest living musical theatre composer. I enjoy working on his shows because of the depth of meaning in the storytelling, along with the character development in both the text and the orchestration. I was fortunate to help develop a two-piano version of Sweeney Todd recently, and that really inspired me to think outside the box with INTO THE WOODS. I find that too often we look at a work and see what has been done in the past, rather than take the work at face value and try to tell the story as if it were new.

Is there anything that has surprised you in the process of directing INTO THE WOODS?

JS: Guest Artist, Charlie Klesa will play the Narrator as if he is the Baker’s son, reliving the stories his father told him. It has been a joy to incorporate the narrator’s point of view into the story and tinker with the possibilities that have surfaced.

What role does movement/choreography play in your production of INTO THE WOODS?

JS: In discussing the show with the choreographer, Tracey Bonner, I stressed that I wanted all movement to be character driven and individually motivated. There will be times when the company “dances,” but it will be a result of individual intention. It is my hope that dance elements will give the audience a deeper insight into  the character’s point of view in the same way that the orchestration supports a character’s mood or intention.

With the release of the film version of INTO THE WOODS and countless stage productions around the world, why should audiences come see this production?

JS: Our production of INTO THE WOODS will be unique. Arguably Sondheim’s most commercial work, it is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The concept of choice and consequence is universal and this show continues to stimulate conversation about society.  Audiences will notice a nod to the original work, be entranced by fairytale characters, and be intrigued by the ingenuity of this concept production. It is my hope that each audience member will identify with one of the characters, share in their story and root for their success.

For more information call the NKU School of the Arts Box Office at 859.572.5464 or visit theatre.nku.edu.