Coe College Theatre presents 2018-19 lineup
This theatrical season is truly an intercontinental experience — beginning with the auction of a cherry orchard in Russia, weaving through escape from arranged marriages in Italy and concluding in America among a family dealing with mental illness and its accompaniments.
Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for non-Coe students 18 and younger and seniors 55 and older. Visit coe.edu/box-office to purchase tickets. Coe College students, faculty and staff attend for free.
All productions are presented in Dows Theatre on the Coe campus. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday performances, which start at 2 p.m. This year's productions include:
- “The Cherry Orchard” — Oct. 26, 27 and 28 and Nov. 1, 2 and 3, written by Anton Chekhov and directed by Coe Professor of Theatre Arts Dennis Barnett.
Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s final work is his deepest and most adventurous exploration of the comic fallibility at the heart of human nature: the illusions we create to keep from facing the inevitable. This tragicomedy is a reflection of the socio-economic forces at work in Russia during the turn of the 20th century including the rise of the middle class and the abolition of serfdom.
- “Big Love” — Feb. 8, 9, 10, 14, 15 and 16, written by Charles Mee and directed by Coe Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Deanna L. Downes.
American playwright Charles Mee tells the story of 50 brides fleeing a forced, arranged marriage to 50 cousin-grooms only to become refugees in nearby Italy. This play raises questions on the nature of love and rage, relationships and gender politics, domestic violence, anger, heartache and the responsibility of one people to another.
- “Next to Normal” — April 12, 13, 14, 18, 19 and 20, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, music by Tom Kitt and directed by Coe Professor of Theatre Arts Dennis Barnett.
This 2008 American rock award-winning musical boldly and honestly explores a family striving for normality in the face of mental illness and all that accompanies it. Critics have lauded “Next to Normal” as one of the greatest musicals of the 21st century.
Coe values its location and relationship with the Cedar Rapids community and looks forward to providing high-quality theatrical performances to the area. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. Our success in offering superb academics and exciting co-curricular activities stems in large part from our location in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. As such, we welcome the community to participate in this event.