California State University, Fullerton's 2017—2018 Season Opens with FRANKENSTEIN

Cal State Fullerton's 2017-2018 season opens with "Frankenstein" based on the novel by Mary Shelley, adapted by Bruce Goodrich and directed by CSUF Professor Maria Cominis, which runs September 29-October 15, 2017 in the Young Theatre on campus. An electrifying new version of "Frankenstein" will keep audiences mesmerized by the sheer power of Mary Shelley's 19th century classic.

After years of research, Victor Frankenstein is convinced that he has found the secret of life. Armed with this knowledge, Victor breathes life into a creature, which vanishes into the night, leaving him full of remorse. After two murders, the creature appears before Victor, begging to have a mate to serve as his companion. Though Victor agrees at first, he later destroys his second creation, enraging the creature and causing him to swear revenge on Victor. The creature enacts his vengeance on Victor's wedding day, sending Victor into a frenzy, vowing that he will dedicate the rest of his life to hunting the creature. "Frankenstein" is recommended for mature audiences only.

Bruce Goodrich, writer of the original CSUF adaptation, is the former Chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Carnegie-Mellon and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Goodrich has designed costumes and scenery for productions of the long-running "Beau Jest," scenery and lighting for "Rendezvous with Marlene" and lighting design for "St. Mark's Gospel" and "Do Not Disturb." His most recent adaption was CSUF's 2015 production of "A Christmas Carol."

Maria Cominis has been a Professor at CSUF since 2005. Before her time at CSUF, she taught under the tutelage of Uta Hagen at HB Studio, NYC and received her MFA from UC Irvine. She continues to work as an actor in Los Angeles and Orange County. Television roles include Fox's "New Girl," ABC's "Desperate Housewives," "All My Children" and "One Life to Live." She is also the author of Rehearsing in The Zone, a Practical Guide to Rehearsing Without a Director. Her most recent CSUF directing credits include "Italian American Reconciliation" last year.

The cast of "Frankenstein" includes Anthony Ayala, Leo Xavier Torrez, Casey Bowen, Charles Garcia, Kira Jamison, Hayden Allcorn, Mykah Atkins, Diego Noll, Julian Bohlmann, Jacob Cropper, Jayson Guthrie, Ramon Luis Suzara II, Jessica Rodgers, Matt Valencia, Brett Beard, Craig Tyrl, Peri Kolodziej, Olivia Kridle, Darby Sorich, Noa Lev-Ari, Jacqueline Del Valle, Cassy O'Brian.

Scenic design is by Kaylee Gieser, lighting design is by Haley Guarderrama, costume design is by Whitney Claytor, sound design is by Maggie Williams, projections design is by Maggie Williams & Kaylee Gieser and hair/makeup design is by Alejandro Bermudez.

"Frankenstein" plays at 8pm on September 29, 30, October 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 and October 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 at 2pm on. General admission tickets are $14 ($12 with advance Titan Discount purchase for students, seniors or with a CSUF ID). All tickets are $14 at the door. Tickets are available by calling (657) 278-3371, 11am-5pm, Monday through Friday and online.

2017-2018 SEASON

Red Scare on Sunset

By Charles Busch • Directed by Kyle Cooper

October 6-29, 2017

A parody of 1950's, McCarthy-era Hollywood. When film star Mary Dale discovers her own husband has been lured into the local Communist party by way of a method-acting class, she wages a private war to not only save him, but to conquer the Beverly Hills Commies and save America! Contains fog/haze.

"You have to champion the ingenuity of Busch's writing which twirls twist upon twist and spins into comedy heaven." - Newsday

October 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 8 pm

October, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 at 2 pm

Hallberg Theatre • Single Tickets $12.00*-$14.00 • (1) Flextix credit

Cry Baby, The Musical

Music by Adam Schlesinger • Lyrics by David Javerbaum

Book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan • Directed by Sarah Ripper

Musical Direction by Mitchell Hanlon • Choreography by William F. Lett

October 27-November 12, 2017

Based on the cult classic, 1990 John Waters film, Cry-Baby features a delightfully demented book from the writers of Hairspray and a rockabilly score from the co-founder of Fountains of Wayne and the executive producer of The Daily Show. It's 1954. Everyone likes Ike, nobody likes communism and Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker is the coolest boy in Baltimore.

"Bright and perky...snazzy staging and dancing." - Curtain Up

Oct 27, 28, November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8 pm

October 29, November 4, 5, 11, 12 at 2 pm

Little Theatre • Single Tickets $22*-$24 • (2) Flextix credits

Bell, Book and Candle

By John Van Druten • Directed by Elina DeSantos
November 17-December 10, 2017

Gillian Holroyd, a modern-day woman with supernatural abilities, casts a spell over unattached publisher, Shepherd Henderson, who falls madly in love with her. Unfortunately, as it turns out, wooing Shepherd becomes a conundrum for Gillian: witches can't fall in love. Will she give up witchery to pursue her handsome publisher?

"One of the author's greatest comedy successes...completely enchanting-a wonderfully suave and impish fantasy." - The New York Times

November 17, 18, 30 December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 8 pm; November 19, December 2, 3, 9, 10 at 2 pm

Young Theatre • Single Tickets $12*-$14 • (1) Flextix credit

Fall Dance Theatre

Coordinated by Gladys Kares

November 30-December 10, 2017

CSUF's award-winning dancers and choreographers present a mix of classic, jazz, ballet, and modern dance.

"You have to love dancing...that single fleeting moment when you feel alive." - Merce Cunningham

November 30 December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 8 pm; December 3, 10 at 2 pm

Little Theatre • Single Tickets $12*-$14 • (1) Flextix credit

Taking Steps

By Alan Ayckbourn • Directed by Mark Ramont

February 23-March 18, 2018

England's "King of Comedy," Alan Ayckbourn, tells the tale of Roland, a hard-drinking tycoon interested in buying an old Victorian house that was once a brothel. In the course of one hectic night and morning, with continual running up and downstairs and in and out of rooms, the eccentric cast of characters try to sort themselves out in this farce The Guardian described as "Superbly funny; hilarious."

February 23, 24 March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 8 pm; February 25 March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 at 2 pm

Hallberg Theatre • Single Tickets $12*-$14 • (1) Flextix credit

'Tis Pity She's a Whore

By John Ford • Directed by Kyle Cooper

March 9-25, 2018

John Ford's murderous, darkly sexual masterpiece exposes the incestuous love of Giovanni and Annabella, a brother and sister trapped in the damnable grip of a forbidden passion. The story unfolds against a backdrop of lust, vengeance, and greed that serves as a critique of contemporary culture and morality. Contains haze, fog and gory violence and mature themes. Not suitable for children or the weak of heart.

March 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 at 8 pm; March 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 at 2 pm

Young Theatre • Single Tickets $12*-$14 • (1) Flextix credit

Disney's The Little Mermaid

Music by Alan Menken • Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater

Book by Doug Wright • Directed by Eve Himmelheber • Musical Direction by Corey Hirsch • Choreography by Karl Warden

March 23-April 15, 2018

Based the beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a love story for the ages. Mermaid princess Ariel is fascinated by the human world and longs to be part of it. When she falls in love with human Prince Eric from afar, her father, King Triton, forbids contact. Despondent, Ariel makes a deal with the evil Ursula that only love can remedy. This fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."

March 23, 24 April 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 at 8 pm; March 25 & April 7, 8, 14, 15 at 2 pm

The Little Theatre • Single Tickets • Single Tickets $22*-$24 • (2) Flextix credits

The Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde • Directed by James R. Taulli

April 20-May 6, 2018

Perhaps the most famous and ingenious of all modern comedies, Oscar Wilde's sensational characters and lively one-liners lead to hilarious confusion on stage. Friends Jack and Algernon each "reinvent the truth" to woo the women who have captured their hearts. When the gentlemen are coerced to reveal their web of lies and reveal themselves to their ladies, being "earnest" takes on new meaning.

April 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, May 3, 4, 5 at 8 pm; April 22, 28, 29 May 5, 6 at 2 pm

Young Theatre • Single Tickets $12*-$14 • (1) Flextix credit

Spring Dance Theatre

Coordinated by Gladys Kares

May 3-13, 2018

Join CSUF's award-winning dancers and choreographers in vibrant, dynamic performances.

"Great dancers are not great because of their technique. They are great because of their passion!" Martha Graham

May 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 at 8 pm; May 6, 13 at 2 pm

Little Theatre • Single Tickets $12*-$14 • (1) Flextix credit

To post a comment, you must register and login.