Theatre Fairfield 2012-2013 season finale - Arabian Nights | Press Releases

April 24-2013-April 28, 2013
Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

Theatre Fairfield , Fairfield University's resident production company, closes their 2012-2013 season with a production of Mary Zimmerman's Arabian Nights. The performances run April 24 through the 28, 2013, and take place in the Wien Black Box Experimental Theatre at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts. A fifteen-member cast enacts Scheherazade's epic tales of love, lust, comedy, and dreams. This adaptation offers a wonderful blend of the lesser-known tales from Arabian Nights with the recurring theme of how the magic of storytelling holds the power to change people. Scheherazade's intriguing storytelling prevents her husband, the cruel ruler Shahryar, from murdering her. But will her tales be enough to ultimately change him? Blending traditional and modern elements,this production emphasizes the power of stories as it questions the changing world around us while proclaiming the strength found within words.

Arabian Nights is directed by guest artist Jesse Jou, who returns to Theatre Fairfield after directing A Brief History of America for the Theatre in the Raw Festival. " Arabian Nights really celebrates imagination and storytelling," said Jesse Jou. "I think our show is very funny, ribald, and moving, while exploring complex aspects of what it means to be human, such as the redemptive power of love, how to live in the world, and what it means to be a good leader, among many other issues. One of my favorite aspects of this process has been the opportunity to work with the students of Fairfield University's Muslim Student Association, who have been such warm and thoughtful advisors on the project. I hope the audience will think about western representations of middle eastern cultures and Islam, while still having a rip-roaring good time. Maybe we'll help broaden perspectives. I think doing so really enhances our appreciation of these beautiful stories."

The cast consists of Joe Plouffe '13 as Shahryar (Brockton, MA), Maggie Greene '15 as Scheherazade (Portland, OR), Michael Maio '13 as Harun Al-Rashid (Seekonk, MA), Molly Gregory '16 (Warwick, RI), Katie Gillette '15 (Woodbury, CT), Brianna Engelke '16 (Newtown, CT), Katie Premus '15 (Staten Island, NY), Veronique Poutre '16 (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), Kelan McDonnell '15 (Winfield, IL), TJ Franco '15 (Greenwich, CT), Josh Matteo '16 (Rockville, MD), Alec Bandzes '15 (Middlefield, CT), Ryan Champlin '16 Warwick, RI), Brendan Freeman '15 (Shrewsbury, MA), and Nick Solimini '16 (Andover, MA). The design team for Arabian Nights features scenic design by Chein Yu Peng, lighting design by Lynne Chase, costume design by Julie Leavitt, and sound/ music design by Chad Raines. The show is stage managed by Emily Skudrzyk '14 and Logan Pratt '15, with Mary Corigliano '14 serving as one of the production's assistant stage managers and dramaturg.

Performances run April 24 through April 27 at 8 p.m., and April 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. at the Wien Black Box Theatre in the Quick Center for the Arts . Post-show talkbacks will follow the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances. Tickets are $12 general admission, $6 seniors and University staff, and $5 students . Performances take place in the Wien Black Box Experimental Theatre, in Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. For information, call the Quick Center Box Office at: (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com .