KU’s ‘Iphigenia at Aulis’ to be staged at regionals

“Iphigenia at Aulis,” the opening production in Kansas University’s Inge Theatre Series this fall, has been selected for the Region V Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival.

The festival is Jan. 21-26 at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. The drama will be staged in its original alley setting in the Bertha Martin Theatre for six performances Jan. 24-25.

Euripides’ tragedy was translated by Elaine Terranova and directed by Sara K. Armstrong, a Cushing, Okla., graduate student, who also designed costumes and sound for the production.

Scenic designer is Emily Elder, Eudora senior; lighting designer is Brian Diltz, Lenexa senior; and choreography is by Ashley Lafond, Lawrence junior, and Hannah Ballou, Topeka senior.

It was originally staged Oct. 24-Nov. 2 in the Inge Theatre.

In “Iphigenia at Aulis,” Agamemnon (Joseph Edwin Boothe) is told that if his army is to achieve success he must sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia (Megan Carter). He reluctantly agrees and lures his daughter with the promise of marriage to Achilles (Darren Maloney). Agamemnon’s murderous promise incites rage in his wife, Clytemnestra (Allison Gabbard), who is duped into delivering her own daughter to her death.

University Theatre is entering eight productions in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival this year either as participating or associate entries. Only participating entries are eligible for selection for the regional festival.

Grant helps with cost of ‘A Kansas Nutcracker’

The Lawrence Arts Center received a $15,000 grant from the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation to support its holiday ballet, “A Kansas Nutcracker.”

The production, which premiered last weekend and wrapped up Saturday night, is a new interpretation of the classic ballet. It takes place in Kansas during the 1850s, the state’s turbulent territorial period.

The foundation’s donation funded the music, script, professionals, choreography, dance costumes, sets and lighting.

In the new production, many of the characters remain the same, with slight variations to bring them in line with the prairie version. The music was re-arranged for a smaller ensemble that includes mandolins, though the score remains true to the Tchaikovsky original.

All performances were sold out.

The foundation supports organizations and programs that enhance the quality and accessibility of the arts in the greater Kansas City community.

Choristers to begin spring rehearsals

Choristers, the Lawrence Children’s Choir preparatory choir, will begin rehearsals Jan. 6.

The group is open to children in grades third through sixth who love to sing and can sing in tune.

There are no audition requirements.

Rehearsals are from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through March 3. The concert is March 8.

To enroll, children must attend the first rehearsal. There will be registration and a parent meeting while the children rehearse.

Cost is $93.75 per semester, plus uniforms.

For more information, attend the parent meeting, e-mail LCCExecDirector@aol.com, or call 331-4662.