University Theatre heralds new season

USC Aiken and University Theatre has announced the 2010-2011 theater season.

The broad range of theatrical experiences include an exciting comedy involving a rich moneylender called Harpagon, the town of Hamelin which has become plagued by rats, a student showcase and subtle hints of wisdom of a beloved blockhead.

The productions will be performed at the Etherredge Center and will include:

* "The Miser," a comic satire by Moliîre, with translation and adaptation by James Magruder on Oct. 7-9 and Oct. 11-12 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.

* "The Pied Piper" by Shubert Fendrich and Patrick Rainville on Nov. 22-23 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.

* "Experimental Relief," a student showcase on Feb. 11-13 at 7:30 p.m.

* "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," the musical based on the comic strip "Peanuts," by Charles M. Schulz on April 15-17, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.

"The Miser" is Harpagon, who rules his home with a meanness that is the talk of the town. He's mean to his horses and people and is so terrified of losing his fortune that he constantly checks the grounds where he has buried a large sum. Soon, however, his life begins to unravel in comic ways.

"The Pied Piper," is a participation play for children. The rat infestation in Hamelin is awful enough, but the mayor's poor organization has allowed the egotistical Pied Piper to take advantage of the town as he seeks fame and fortune. With the help of the audience, the Pied Piper's clever assistant helps the town remove the rats and teaches the Pied Piper a lesson about responsibility. During the play, adults and children become villagers, school children and yes, those pesky rats.

"Experimental Relief" a benefit production, will allow students to showcase their work as playwrights, directors, actors and designers. Students and faculty will select a worthy cause to receive proceeds from the production.

The original version of the musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," made its debut in 1967.

More than 30 years later, the play got a much-praised revival on Broadway with some updates, and that's the version that USCA audiences will see next spring.

The characters' innocence remains intact, along with a new emphasis on their spontaneous and lighthearted good spirits. Two new songs were added to the original 12.

"We feel it's a responsibility to make sure our students are getting a complete history of genres," said Jack Benjamin, chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

He's excited about the department's eight new scholarship students and about "Experimental Relief," a first-time venture, he said.

"This will replace the 10-minute plays we've done before," Benjamin said. "Many of our students have gotten awards, but nobody has seen what they do to get those awards. This will showcase what they can do as individuals or in groups."

For ticket information, call the box office at 641-3305.

For more show information, e-mail Abby Hogg, publicity coordinator, at anhogg@usca.edu.