Loyola University New Orleans’ Department of Theatre Arts & Dance kicked off the 2019-2020 season this month, with new leadership under C. Patrick Gendusa and an exciting roster of performances led by talented new directors who join Loyola faculty.
“The Loyola Department of Theatre Arts & Dance is thrilled to announce its 2019-2020 theatre season. A throughline in all three productions this year is acceptance. It is a challenging time in the world. We all need to love and accept each other now more than ever. One of my favorite quotes from Leo Buscaglia sums up our season theme: ‘Compassion is an act of tolerance where kindness and forgiveness reign. When we make the compassionate choice, we enhance the dignity of each individual, which is the very essence of loving them,’” Gendusa said.
“We are so excited about the season and we are also bringing in an amazing team of guest directors, designers (scenic and lighting), choreographers and music directors.”
You Can’t Take It With You
Directed by Anne-Liese Juge Fox, Kaufman and Hart’s delightful comedy You Can’t Take It With You is a madcap reflection of sanity in a mad world. This classic comedy centers reminds us to live life to the fullest and pursue our wildest dreams.
Performances are in Marquette Theater, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 4-6, Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 10-12, and Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019 at 2 p.m.
Romeo and Juliet
Directed by Mark Routhier, this timeless story of young passions caught between the feuding Capulet and Montague families will feature an all-female cast!
Performances are in Lower Depths Theater, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 8-10, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 14-16, and Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 at 2 p.m.
Cabaret
Directed by Tom Cianfichi and Bryan Batt, Kander and Ebb’s 8-time Tony award-winning masterpiece presents a world where nothing is as it seems, yet entertaining to the last note, this dark and haunting musical drama remains as thoughtful and relevant today as ever.
Performances are in Marquette Theater at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 20-22, Thursday through Saturday, March 26-28, and Sunday, March 22, 2019 at 2 p.m. Free parking is available in West Road garage.
Also joining Loyola theatre arts and dance faculty this fall are:
• Choreographer, actor and director Alton Geno, who will teach Tap for Musicals;
• Technical Director Duncan Becker, who will teach Stagecraft and Stagecraft Lab;
• Vlad Guinea, who will teach Intro to Computer-Aided Design;
• Costume Designer and stylist Kaci Thomassie, who will serve as Costume Director;
• Elizabeth Parent, who will teach Fundamentals of Speech;
• and Destany Gorham, who will teach Props Design: Stage and Screen.