March 25, 2019
A full schedule of exciting performances coming to 2019 McLeod Summer Playhouse
CARBONDALE, Ill. — What do polkadots and Gypsy Rose Lee have in common? They are both show topics in this season’s line up of musical productions by McLeod Summer Playhouse. From family shows to date night specials, this professional theater company will have a show for everyone to enjoy. With an incredible line up new plays and old favorites, summer 2019 will be exceptionally entertaining.
As the professional theater company out of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, McLeod Summer Playhouse features actors from across the nation. Unique from the semester shows by students in the theater department, this summer season features a completely new element of fun and excitement.
Tickets are available now at events.siu.edu.
“Polkadots”
Inspired by the historical account of the “Little Rock Nine” and the civil rights movementof the 1960’s, this engaging children’s musical emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity and appreciating our differences.
Location: C.H. Moe Theater
Performances will occur:
- 10:00 a.m. on June 12, 26, July 3 and 17.
- 2 p.m. on June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 13, 20.
In “Polkadots,” 8-year-old Lilly is the new kid in small town ‘Rockaway.’ Lilly is the first polka dot in a town full of squares. Lilly experiences bullying and struggles to fit in until a schoolmate named Sky befriends her. “Polkadots” shows the importance of embracing everyone’s unique qualities.
“The Full Monty”
Derived from the massively popular film, the show chronicles six rifted steel workers who bare it all to pay the bills. Equal parts heartwarming and sensual, this play defies gender roles and social stereotypes.
Location: McLeod Theater.
Performances will occur: June 21-23, 28-30.
- 7:30 p.m. on June 21, 22 and June 28-29.
- 2 p.m. on June 23 and 30.
Based on the book by Terrance McNally and music and lyrics by David Yazbe, The Full Monty follows six Buffalo, NY comrades. The friends create the idea to present a strip act at a local club. Eventually, it is decided they will go the “fully monty” and expose all. This show may not be suitable for young audiences.
“Gypsy”
A unique 60th anniversary production of the show dubbed “America’s Greatest Musical.” This tantalizing production portrays the early life of strip tease celebrity Gypsy Rose Lee and her stage mom, Mama Rose, who works hard to make her daughter a star.
Location: McLeod Theater
Performances will occur:
- 7:30 p.m. on July 12, 13, 19 and 20.
- 2 p.m. on July 14 and 21.
Based on the book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; the musical is loosely based on the real life story of Gypsy Rose Lee.
The story provides an inside look at the struggle of show business and the determination of a show business mom to make her daughter famous.
“The Drowsy Chaperone”
A musical by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, this parody explores the story of The Man in Chair, as he humorously watches his favorite musical come to life.
Location: McLeod Theater.
Performances will occur:
- 7:30 p.m. on August 1-3
- 2 p.m. on August 4
With music and lyrics written by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, “The Drowsy Chaperone” has been nominated for several Broadway Theatre Awards and has won five Tony Awards.
Tickets on sale starting April 1
Tickets are available April 1 for friends of McLeod Summer Playhouse donors and season ticket purchasers, and April 15 for the general public and single show tickets.
- Series tickets are $72 for adults, $30 for students and $24 for children 12 and under.
- Individual tickets for The Full Monty and Gypsy are $30 for adults, $14 for students and $10 for children 12 years old and under.
- Individual tickets for The Drowsy Chaperone are $20 for adults, $10 for students and $8 for children 12 years old and under.
- Individual tickets for Polkadots are $14 for adults, $10 for students and $10 for children 12 years old and under.
Season tickets can be obtained several ways