Army theater readies for 60th season

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

The Army Community Theatre's upcoming season, beginning in September, will be its 60th.

Vanita Rae Smith, director of Army entertainment, has assembled a five-show musical slate including four Broadway favorites and a Christmastime revue.

The season, at Richardson Theatre at Fort Shafter, includes:

• "Oklahoma!" the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein evergreen revived this season on Broadway, Sept. 5-21. The show, one of the landmarks of the musical stage, is set in a Western Indian territory at the turn of the century, amid high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys; its principals are a handsome cowboy, Curly, and the apple of his eye, Laury. Known for a wagonful of musical hits, including "Surrey With the Fringe on Top," "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" and "Oklahoma!" Glenn Cannon will direct. Audition dates: June 24, 25 and 26.
• "Smokey Joe's Cafe," a musical corralling the songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Nov. 14-30. Generally acknowledged as the inventors of rock 'n' roll, the writing team of Leiber and Stoller has produced hit after hit, performed by an endless roster of rock-era favorites. The score includes "On Broadway," "Charlie Brown," "Searchin'," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Potion No. 9," "Spanish Harlem" and more. Derek Daniels will direct and choreograph. Audition dates: Aug. 12, 13, 14.
• "Christmas Forgotten," a musical with traditional season songs, Dec. 13-22. Set in New York's Central Park, the revue embraces everyday folks in various encounters in the park reflecting the spirit of the yuletide. Vanita Rae Smith will direct. Auditions: Oct. 7, 8, 9.
• "Godspell," a musical by Stephen Schwartz, based on the Godspell According to Matthew, Feb. 27-March 3. The rock opera is a modern retelling of the story of Jesus Christ, set to a pop, rock and gospel tempo; the score includes such hits as "Day by Day." Brad Powell will direct. Audition dates: Dec. 9, 10, 11.
• "The Music Man," the musical by Meredith Willson, May 8-24. A fast-talking, hustling, traveling salesman named Harold Hill tries to con people into buying uniforms and instruments for a boys' band he promises to organize — fodder that taps such classic characters as Marian the Librarian and memorable songs such as "Trouble," "76 Trombones," "Pickalittle," "Till There Was You" and "Gary, Indiana." Jim Hutchison will direct and choreograph. Auditions: March 3, 4, 5.

Curtain times: Shows open at 8 p.m. Thursdays, repeat Fridays-Saturdays.

Season tickets: $56 and $44 for adults, $28 and $29 for children; available now.

Individual tickets: $15 and $12 for adults, $8 and $6 for children; not available until July 1.

Reservations: 438-4480, 438-5230, or send remittance and self-addressed stamped envelope to Army Community Theatre, USAG-HI, DCA, CRD, Fort Shafter HI 96858-5000.

Army Community Theatre also presents a Sundays @ 2 Matinee Readers Theatre season that runs in tandem with main-stage shows.

Coming up for 2002-2003:

• "Going to See the Elephant," a collaboration by six authors, Sept. 8, 15, 22.
• "The Sea Horse," a drama by Edward J. More, Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1.
• "Drums Under the Window," by Sean O'Casey, March 2, 9, 16.
• "Amy's View," a play by David Hare, May 11, 18, 25.
• "Trial by Jury" and "Cox and Box," a dramatic cantata by W.S. Gilbert (music by Sir Arthur Sullivan), June 15, 22, 29.

Curtain times: 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets: $6 at the door.

Reservations: 438-4480, 438-5230.