Contrast is the name of the game for the third annual “New Voices” series, which will open the University Theatre’s 2002-2003 season. “New Voices” will run Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. nightly in the Arena Theatre at Villard Hall.
Two plays written by University students are featured each year, and this season’s works juxtapose playful sexuality with serious youth angst.
“The Sea is a Restless Whore,” — subtitled “The Pirate Musical” — was written by Brian Boone with music by Gabe Dickinson. According to University Theatre Development Director Joseph Gilg, this is the first time a musical has been selected — or even submitted — for the “New Voices” production.
“I think it’s pretty exciting,” Gilg said. “It adds another dimension.”
He described the play as “a bright, broad musical comedy with pithy dialogue, fun songs and plenty of tap dancing.”
However, Gilg cautioned potential audience members that the musical contains “language of a scatological and sexual nature.”
“Waiting to be Exiled,” by Nathan Bloch, focuses on a more somber theme, exploring an adolescent’s intense depression. Though the material is dark, Gilg said it’s highly entertaining and wryly witty.
The story is told in reverse chronological order.
About 30 students are participating in the production of both plays, and Gild said he expects the Arena Theatre to receive a large turnout, despite its small size.
“Eighty people is a sell-out audience,” he said.
Tickets are available now at the University Ticket office — $4 for students, $5 for senior citizens and University faculty and staff, and $6 for the general public.