THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE to Tap Dance Onto Northern Kentucky University Stage

Northern Kentucky University | School of the Arts | Program of Theatre and Dance presents THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE December 1 - 11, 2016. Performances will take place in the Corbett Theatre in the Fine Arts Center.

Director Jamey Strawn says he is "excited to highlight the music of (Tony Award-winning) composer Jeanine Tesori. In a field dominated by men, it is exciting to showcase the work of this fabulous and successful female writer. Shows at NKU are chosen as part of a rotation that is designed to expose students to a wide variety of genres and musical styles. We chose Millie because it celebrates the 20's dance styles and tap sequences, iconic characters, and strong roles for female actors."

For Strawn, "the joy comes from working collaboratively with all of the elements to assemble this complex logistical jigsaw puzzle and create a work that excites, inspires, and entertains an audience."

Choreographer Tracey Bonner hails the show as "a wonderful opportunity for our students that are building up advanced dance skills through our program. It requires a highly energetic and active ensemble that provides much of the backdrop for the social and cultural statements of the time period of prohibition and the post suffragette movement... The dancing itself touches on historical themes of the Charleston, the beginnings of swing dance, and social dance becoming a formative component to popular culture."

"This show specifically provides a great way to feature our large numbers of female students in the School of the Arts and embody the spirit of strong women. The piece offers a real world example of an empowered female setting out to take the world by storm." Bonner hopes the show encourages the young women onstage and off "to realize their value personally; their opinions and convictions are important to the continued evolution of our culture and society. This is a beautiful thing to watch these young women discover about themselves: that their voices and the art they create matters and is respected."

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE

By Jeanine Tesori, Dick Scanlan, and Richard Henry Morris

December 1 - 11, 2016 | NKU Corbett Theatre

A high-spirited romp, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE tells the story of a small-town girl who travels to New York City to marry for money instead of love. Audiences will relive the roaring 1920s in this Tony Award-winning musical featuring jazz, thunderous tap dancing, frisky flappers and dashing leading men.

For more information call the NKU School of the Arts Box Office at 859.572.5464 or visit theatre.nku.edu.

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