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 04/09/2008
SCAD School of Performing Arts presents "Violet" and "The Mexican Play"
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah College of Art and Design School of Performing Arts presents "Violet" by Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley May 8-11 and May 15-18 at the Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St., with a panel discussion following the May 11 matinee production. The SCAD School of Performing Arts also is presenting the premiere of "The Mexican Play," written by student playwright David Ruzicka, May 14-17 at the Mondanaro Theater, 217 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
"Violet," directed by SCAD performing arts professor Michael Wainstein, is the extraordinary story of a young woman’s search for healing, both physically and emotionally. One of the most acclaimed musicals of the past 10 years, the play is challenging, uplifting and astonishing, told through gospel, rock, country, and rhythm and blues. "Violet" was the winner of the 1997 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards for Best Musical.
Because of the serious themes in the show, there will be a panel discussion following the May 11 matinee. Local experts and cast members will give audience members a forum for discussion. "Since themes of beauty, cultural diversity and acceptance are key to the production, the discussion will pose the question: How far have we come since 1964 in terms of cultural identity and beauty?" said Wainstein. "It will tie in themes of the play and relate those questions to current political issues our country is facing, as well as offer a chance for the audience to learn more about how far we have come and how those issues have changed over the last 44 years."
"The Mexican Play," directed by award-winning actor and performing arts professor Laurence Ballard, is the premiere of an original play written by SCAD dramatic writing student David Ruzicka. "The Mexican Play" is a hilarious romp through the landscape of contemporary American culture. According to Ballard, the show is "silly, witty, wise and provocative and is a celebration of a new voice in American drama."
Performances are at 8 p.m., with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday for "Violet." Tickets can be purchased online at , by phone at 912.525.5050 or at the SCAD box office, 216 E. Broughton St. Admission is $10 for the general public, $5 for students, seniors and military, and free for students, faculty and staff with a valid SCAD ID.
The SCAD School of Performing Arts offers accredited degree programs in dramatic writing, performing arts and production design.
Named one of Kaplan's "25 cutting-edge schools with an eye toward the future," the Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., and in Lacoste, France. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs also are offered online through SCAD-eLearning. The college offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Fine Arts, and Master of Urban Design degrees.
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