May 17, 2013

McLeod summer theater lineup offers hit musicals

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The McLeod Summer Playhouse at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will put a sizzle into the region’s summer activities with some of the most popular and well-known musicals.

The summer theater season will bring a mix of professional and new talent to the stage for a series of productions, including performances by the Carbondale Community Arts’ All-Southern High School Theater Project.

This season’s lineup is:

  • “Hair,” -- June 21-23 and June 28-30.  Performance times: 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.
  • “Annie,” -- July 12-14 and July 19-21. Performance times: 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.
  • “Guys and Dolls,” -- Aug 1-5. Performance times: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 1-3 and Aug. 5; 2 p.m. Aug. 4.

“Hair,” often subtitled “The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical,” reveals the “Age of Aquarius,” and the peace-loving hippies and rebels who brought it to life.

The record-setting “Annie,” based on the “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip, tells the story of a charming orphan girl, her troubles, her sudden good fortune, and a turn of events that nearly upsets it.

“Guys and Dolls” brings to life short stories written by Damon Runyon about New York City’s gangster underworld and what happens when romance invades it.

Season subscriptions, which include all three shows, are $55 for the general public and $20 for students and children.  Individual show ticket prices are $25 for the general public and $10 for students and children.  Individual ticket prices for “Guys and Dolls” are $16 for the general public and $8 for students and children.  Group rates are also available for adult single ticket packages.

Tickets are available in advance at southernticketsonline.com/, by phone at 618/453-6000, or at the McLeod Theater Box Office.  Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour before each performance.  Ticket order forms by mail are also available by calling 618/453-5741.