The Importance of Being Earnest Show Program

President
Julio Frenk
Interim Executive Vice President for
Academic Affairs/Provost
Guillermo J. Prado
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Brandon Gilliland
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Leonidas G. Bachas
Senior Associate Deans, College of Arts and Sciences
Joshua Cohn, Caleb Everett, Jennifer Ferriss-Hill
Interim Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Michiko K. Skinner
Edgar Abreu
Jessica Bashline
Judy Ann Bassing
John Berst
Jennifer Burke
Michael Bush
Carolyn M. Elmore
Faculty
Anjane Girwarr
Daniel Hernandez
Kevin Kennison
Michiko K. Skinner
Everth Lopez
Christine Mazeppa
Maha McCain
Staff
Michael Dean Morgan
Brandon M. Newton
Pablo Souki
Burton Tedesco
NDavid Williams
Tom Zhang
Department Accompanist
Michael Harris
Properties Head
Steve Lambert
Carpenter
Zachary Meskaukas
Technical Director
Eric Nelson
Audio Engineer/Electrician
Richard Reed
Costume Technician
Gema Valdes
Administrative Assistant
Madeline Whittaker
Sr. Manager,
Business Operations
Robert Wright
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Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
and Alvin Sherman Family Stage
University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Theatre Arts
Present
THE IMPORTANCE
OF BEING EARNEST
A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
By Oscar Wilde
Scenic Designer
BRANDON M. NEWTON
Costume Designer
MICHIKO K. SKINNER
Lighting Designer
KIRK BOOKMAN
Movement and Intimacy Director
BURTON TEDESCO
Accent and Text Coach
MICHAEL DEAN MORGAN
Production Stage Manager
VICTORIA MEJIA
Director
BRUCE MILLER
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A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
It has been my great pleasure returning to UM to direct
this production after retiring four years ago. I began my
career here in 1994, and I can’t help but laugh when I think
that I was shown the blueprints for a new theatre. Some 30
years later that new theater remains a dream. My directing
career at UM began in the Ring Theatre, and I remember
co-hosting a grand return for Jerry Herman. Soon after,
the cosmetically improved Ring became The Jerry Herman
Ring Theatre. Over the years I have seen several new plans
emerge for a theatre; and it all makes me think of Waiting
for Godot more than The Importance of Being Earnest.
But, through it all, in my 26-year career at UM, I had the
privilege of teaching so many talented and eager young
actors, just like the ones in the production you are about
to see. I draw great satisfaction that I helped, just a little,
to give them the skills to succeed in the theatre business
they aspire to. I am so proud of the kids you are about to
see, and the work we have done together. It all reminds
me great theatre is about what we put on stage, and far
less about the walls, old or new, that contain it.
I would like to thank all my old friends and colleagues
who brought me back for one more show, and all the
students I have had the privilege to direct.
Bruce Miller
Director
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CAST
Jack Worthing......................................Keenan Lyons
Algernon Moncrieff............................Owen Trawick
Gwendolen Fairfax..............Dominique Karanfilian
Cecily Cardew.................................Maggie Rabitsch
Lady Bracknell............................... Josephine Dinan
Miss Prism..................................... Leandrea Brooks
Rev. Chasuble.................................................Ian Luk
Lane/Merriman.............................. Hector Montoto
This performance has
two 10-minute intermissions.
Welcome from the
Department of Theatre Arts
• Please silence cell phones prior to the start
of the performance.
• Video, audio recording, and photography
are strictly prohibited.
• Please locate the emergency exit closest to
your seat prior to the performance.
• Restrooms are located in the courtyard.
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter (@JerryHermanRingTheatre)
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PRODUCTION CREW
Production Manager............................................. Pablo Souki
Technical Director/Lead Electrician..................... Eric Nelson
Scenic Charge Artist .............................. Brandon M. Newton
Properties Head................................................ Steve Lambert
Hair and Makeup Supervisor........................... Maha McCain
Costume Technician........................................... Gema Valdes
Sound Engineer.................................................. Richard Reed
Carpenter.................................................. Zachary Meskaukas
Assistant Lighting Designer................................. Dylan Carter
Assistant Costume Designer ............................... Noa Macias
Assistant Stage Manager............................ Dayton Whitman
Light Board Programmer.................................. Joey Filipanits
Andrea Tuthill
Wardrobe Supervisor ........................................... Nico Walker
Backstage Crew..................................................Jayda Changar
CJ George
Alexandra Lofgren
Alex Trombley
Costumes Student Staff.................................... Victoria Mejia
Fer Salas Hormazábal
Andrea Salazar
Ari Sussman
Nico Walker
Dayton Whitman
Costumes Lab Students................................. Bronwyn Ewert
Foster Fowler
Jessi Kaplan
Audio Student Staff........................................... Sam Davidson
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Lighting Student Staff................................... Kate Bevilacqua
Brendon Brunette
Dylan Carter
Brek Dodson
Will Sobel
Madyson Weber
Oliver Whitehouse
Lighting Lab Students............. Madeleine Burnett-Caballero
Gianna Dicks
Jarrin Ervin
Scenery and Props Student Staff....................Fletcher Baum
Gabriel Brito
Joey Filipanits
Andrea Tuthill
Scenery and Props Lab Students...................... Fey Adenrele
Zac Bolognone
Simon Grogan
Yamaris Martinez
Scenic Art Student Staff........................................ Taylor Rand
House Manager...................................................Mary Arledge
Box Office and Front
of House Student Staff ........................................ Paige Anatol
Mariana Apostolatos
Mary Arledge
Ava Chrusciel
EV Cummins
Ainsley Gilbert
Lexx Lang
Christian Miller
Griffin Welti
Box Office and Front
of House Lab Students............................................ Jack Diamant
Lexi Roth
Student Marketing Team....................................Mary Arledge
Laurita Karam
Graphic Designer................................................ Sean Keenan
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
Leandrea Brooks is a junior BFA Musical Theatre
major. Some of her credits include: The Lightning Thief
(Mrs. Dodds), Stop Kiss (Mrs. Winsley/Nurse), A New
Brain (Ensemble), Into The Woods (Little Red Riding
Hood), Addams Family (Grandma), She Kills Monsters
(Agnes), Digging Up the Boys (May). Thank you to the
cast and crew for their hard work on this show!
Josephine Dinan is a junior majoring in Theatre
and Music Industry with a concentration in
classical voice. Previous credits include Mary
Poppins (Mary), Anatomy of Grey (Rebecca), and
Men on Boats (Hawkins). She is beyond excited
to be making her UM debut as Lady Bracknell in
the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre’s production of The
Importance of Being Earnest. She would like to thank
her family, friends, classmates, and professors for
their constant support. She hopes that you enjoy
the show! Go Canes!
Dominique Karanfilian is a senior BFA Musical
Theatre major and is overjoyed to be playing
Gwendolen Fairfax in The Importance of Being
Earnest. She previously played Jean Muir in the
original musical by Polly Pen: The Night Governess,
directed by NDavid Williams, and Sabine in The
Three Musketeers, directed by Burton Tedesco. She
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
thanks Bruce Miller for his endless knowledge and
energy, as well as her fellow cast and crew. She
also thanks her sister, Elena, for helping with line
memorization and pre-rehearsal meals. Now grab
a cup of tea (no sugar), some bread and butter,
and enjoy the show!
Ian Luk is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major.
He’s absolutely delighted to be playing Reverend
Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest! You
may have seen him last semester as the Bellhop
in Lucky Stiff directed by John Berst. He sends his
warm regards to his family, the creative team, and
the audience, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Keenan Lyons is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major
at the U. Previous theatrical credits include The
Rover (Frederick), A New Brain (Minister), Kinky Boots
(Angel), Matilda (Sergei/Mr. Wormwood U/S), Jersey
Boys (Joe Pesci/Frankie Valli U/S), Godspell (Jesus), A
Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snug), and The Frogs: A
New Musical (Ensemble), as well as numerous other
productions. In addition, Keenan is a two-time
Roger Rees Awards finalist. Endless gratitude to
Bruce, along with the entire creative team, cast, and
crew for this incredible and supportive experience.
@keenan.lyons
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
Hector Montoto is a senior BA Theatre Arts major.
He is a transfer student from Miami Dade College
(MDC). He previously performed in Midsummer
Night’s Dream and The Three Musketeers at UM. He is
thankful for the opportunity to work with director
Bruce Miller and this amazing and hardworking
cast. Lastly, he is grateful for the support of his
family, including his amazing wife and the coolest
sister on the planet. It will be his pleasure to
serve you. Please sit back and enjoy the show!
tinyurl.com/hmontoto.
Maggie Rabitsch is a junior BFA Musical Theatre
major and is so happy to be playing Cecily Cardew
in The Importance of Being Earnest! Other credits
include The Night Governess (Chloe), A New Brain
(ensemble), Carrie (Sue), and Bring it On (Campbell).
Maggie is so excited to be a part of this production
and wants to thank her family, friends, cast, and
crew for all their support! LYGC- @maggierabitsch
Owen Trawick is a senior BFA musical theatre
major and is excited to be performing in the
Jerry Herman Ring Theatre’s production of The
Importance of Being Earnest as Algernon. This
is Owen’s fifth production at the University of
Miami. Previous roles include Gordon in A New
Brain and Detective Cole in Stop Kiss. Owen is
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
also a folk-punk singer/songwriter releasing
music under the name Everybody’s Worried
About Owen. Love you go Canes! Website:
Everybodysworriedaboutowen.com
Bruce Miller (Professor Emeritus, Director) was
Head of Acting Programs at the University of Miami
for most of his 26 years there. He is the author
of six books on acting including The Scene Study
Book, Actor’s Alchemy, and The Actor as Storyteller.
His more than 100 articles on acting appeared
regularly in Dramatics Magazine and Teaching
Theatre. He has received the University of Miami’s
Excellence in Teaching Award and the Educational
Theatre Association’s Founders’ Award for lifetime
achievement in educational theatre. He has
directed over 50 productions in his career, both
professional and in educational theatre. Since
retirement he has become a playwright, novelist,
and a ventriloquist. He is a member of AEA and
SAG-AFTRA and holds an MFA in Acting from
Temple University.
Kirk Bookman (Lighting Designer) has designed
the lighting for countless New York City and regional
productions over the past four decades. His favorite
lighting design credits include Lincoln Center’s 2011
production of Company directed by Lonny Price and
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
starring Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert, and
Patti LuPone. For the incomparable Charles Busch:
Shanghai Moon, The Divine Sister, The Tribute Artist,
Die Mommy Die, The Green Heart and the 2020 hit
production of The Confession of Lily Dare directed
by Carl Andress. Broadway credits include The Gin
Game with Julie Harris and Charles Durning, and The
Sunshine Boys with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall.
Internationally he has designed the lighting for the
Hungarian National, English National Ballet and the
Santiago Ballet Company all with Ivan Nagy.
Dylan Carter (Assistant Lighting Designer)
Originally from Easton, PA and soon to graduate
from the University of Miami with a B.S. in Electrical
Engineering, Dylan has spent much of his college
career as a lighting technician at the Jerry Herman
Ring Theatre and as a lighting designer for the Frost
School of Music. This past summer, Dylan designed
Grease, The 39 Steps, The Sound of Music, Matilda Jr.,
and 9 to 5: The Musical for the mainstage at the
Timber Lake Playhouse in Illinois. Additionally, he
has worked with various designers as a lighting
programmer for productions including Much
Ado About Nothing (Pennsylvania Shakespeare
Festival, Center Valley, PA), The Three Musketeers
(Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, Coral Gables, FL),
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
and Defacing Michael Jackson (Miami New Drama,
Miami, FL). www.dylanbcarter.com
Michiko Kitayama-Skinner (Costume Designer)
Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Michiko has been
working in American Theater for over 20 years.
She has designed both scenery and costumes for
several regional theatres including Asolo Repertory
Theatre and Florida Stage. She has also assisted
renowned designers such as Martin Pakledinaz and
Dona Granata on Broadway and worked at one of
the largest costume shops in NYC, Parsons-Meares.
Michiko worked as an Associate Costume Designer
for the world premiere of a musical, Take Flight (songs
by David Shire), directed by Amon Miyamoto and
costume designed by Paul Tazewell. Her costume
design of Woyzeck was chosen to enter the Prague
Quadrennial 2003 in Prague. Michiko wrote Tsunami,
a docudrama based on interviews conducted after
Japan’s tsunami disaster, with eminent playwright/
director Nilo Cruz. The world premiere of Tsunami
was presented at the SMDCAC in September
2015, for which she designed both scenery and
costumes. Michiko is an Associate Professor of
Costume Design at the University of Miami. She
is a member of United Scenic Artists local 829.
www.designbymichiko.com
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
Steve Lambert (Properties Head) is the resident
Properties Head at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre.
Having earned his BA at Stonehill College in
Massachusetts and studied at both Massachusetts
College of Art and The Swain School of Design in
Rhode Island, Mr. Lambert received his MA from
UM in 1980. He went on to become the Resident
Set Designer and Prop Master at the Coconut
Grove Playhouse. He is also a designer with the
Florida Grand Opera.
Noa Macias (Assistant Costume Designer) (they/
she/he) is a junior BFA Theatrical Costume and
Production Design major with a minor in Motion
Pictures. This is his first production they are assistant
designing for. Last year you may have seen them
running backstage as wardrobe crew member.
Being a strong advocate for the intersectionality
awareness of minorities specifically in media
representation- she dedicates this performance to
queer youth and Hispanic Heritage Month. You’re
heard and represented. IG @novaking
Victoria Mejia (Stage Manager) is a senior BFA
Stage Management major at the University of
Miami. Previous stage management credits at the
U include Lucky Stiff, This Is Our Youth, The Curious
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
Incident…, Into The Woods, Every(One), and Hello
Again. Regional credits include Anna In The Tropics
and Hotel Desiderium. To her family and friends,
who have been there every step of the way, she
does everything for you. To the cast, crew, and
creative team- thank you for the laughs and the
love!! @victoriamejia.jpg
Michael Dean Morgan (Accent and Text Coach)
is currently a Lecturer at the University of Miami,
teaching Voice and Speech and Acting for the
Camera. Michael, who many refer to as “MDM,”
received his MFA in Acting at the Claire Trevor
School of the Arts at UC- Irvine. He is a certified
Knight-Thompson Speech work instructor. Last
year, he won the Voice and Speech Review’s Award
for Outstanding Vocal Scholarship. As a performer,
he was seen on Broadway in Amazing Grace and as
Mr. Banks in the first national tour of Mary Poppins
and the comic hornbill, Zazu, in The Lion King. MDM
originated the role of Marlin in the world premiere
of Disney’s Finding Nemo – The Musical and has also
performed Off-Broadway, at 54 Below and regional
theaters such as the McCarter Theatre, Barrington
Stage Company, Bucks County Playhouse,
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Repertory
Theater of St. Louis, Milwaukee Repertory Theater,
Skylight Music Theater, and Utah Shakespeare.
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
Michael’s screen credits include NBC’s Manifest,
HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, Amazon’s Alpha House,
as well as several incarnations of Law and Order
and a guest appearance on ABC’s Dancing with the
Stars (that is a fun story). Proud member of Actors
Equity Association (AEA), The Screen Actors Guild
(SAG-AFTRA), and the Voice and Speech Trainers
Association (VASTA). MichaelDeanMorgan.com
Eric Nelson (Technical Director) is a graduate of
the University of Arizona in Theater Production. Mr.
Nelson has worked professionally for the Arizona
Theater Company, Borderlands Theater Company,
City Theater, New Theater and Actors Playhouse
to name a few. He was brought to Miami in 1996
to work for the Coconut Grove Playhouse and
quickly became the resident Lighting Designer. He
changed course in 2004 and pursued a teaching
career at Ransom Everglades School. Mr. Nelson
rejoined the professional world in June of 2014
and has either designed or built over one hundred
shows since then.
Brandon M. Newton (Scenic Designer/Scenic
Charge Artist) has designed scenery and properties
regionally and internationally, including Utah
Shakespeare Festival, The Beat Theatre Collective,
Ohio Light Opera, Texas Shakespeare Festival,
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
ZACH Theatre, Thunder Bay Theatre, Tipping Point
Theatre, and Yaya Youth Theatre in Shenzhen,
China. His corporate design work includes covers
projects with Sesame Street, Coca-Cola, Character
Arts LLC, Busch Gardens Tampa, window displays,
and church holiday displays. His work has been
published in American Theatre Magazine and
displayed at SETC, the Design Expo at USITT, and
the Kennedy Center. Currently, Brandon is the
Assistant Professor of Practice - Scene Design and
Scenic Art Supervisor at the University of Miami. He
has also held positions at Southeast Missouri State
University and Alma College. Brandon holds an
MFA in Theatre Design from Texas State University
and a BA in Theatre and Dance from Alma College.
https://www.newtondesigns.net/
Richard Reed (Sound Engineer) joined the Jerry
Herman Ring Theatre team in the fall of 2015
as Sound Technician. Rick comes to us with an
extensive background both in recording and
acoustics as well as live sound design and mixing.
Rick has had the pleasure of working with many of
South Florida’s top artists in designing and building
custom recording studios, but his real passion is
sound for live performances. Rick worked with
Miami-Dade College for several years in the School
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
of Entertainment Technologies where he taught
sound engineering classes and enjoyed working on
theatrical productions such as Metamorphoses and
Godspell. Rick has a strong sense of community and
was an integral part of the Miami Christmas Pageant
for many years. When he is not hard at work at the
Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, Rick enjoys volunteering
his sound engineering talents with The Pelican
Playhouse and his local church in Miami Springs.
Burton Tedesco (Movement and Intimacy
Director) is an Assistant Professor of Movement
and Stage Combat. In addition to his work at UM,
he is the Resident Fight Director at the New Orleans
Shakespeare Festival. His NOSF fight directing
credits include Macbeth, Cymbeline, A Midsummer
Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Julius
Caesar, and more. In addition, he has directed
violence for several theatres around the country,
including Phoenix Stage Company in Watertown,
CT, Southern Rep in New Orleans, LA, Charleston
Stage in Charleston, SC, and Texas A&M University.
Burton is recognized by Dueling Arts International
as a Fight Director and Full Instructor.
Gema Valdes (Costume/Prop Technician) is the
Costume Technician, draper, and costume shop
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
supervisor at the University of Miami’s Jerry Herman
Ring Theatre where she assists designers and
students with all costumes in productions. Coming
from the fashion industry, Gema discovered her love
of the theatre when she was asked by Pulitzer Prizewinning
playwright Nilo Cruz to design the costumes
for his Spanish version of Hortensia and the Museum
of Dreams. She has collaborated with Cruz designing
costumes for Hurricane, Beauty of the Father (Miami
Life Awards nominee), The Color of Desire, Bathing in
Moonlight, Sotto Voce, Two Sisters and a Piano, and a
new work to premiere fall 2023. Working for Arca
Images, Gema has designed productions of El Cuarto
de al Lado, Fallen Angels, Mozart and Salieri, The Bald
Soprano, TeblasLand and Hierro among others. Gema
also designs for GableStage where she worked
on INDECENT and El Huracán. One of her greatest
pleasures is watching our talented students grow
artistically and personally during their time at UM.
Dayton Whitman (Assistant Stage Manager) is a
Senior BA Theatre Arts major and is excited to be
Assistant Stage Managing for the first time. She
has acted, assistant directed, stage managed and
worked as a Production Assistant on a number
of projects at UM, including The Passport Project,
Stop Kiss, The Three Musketeers, A Midsummer
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WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY – BIOS
Night’s Dream and many student films on-campus.
Post-graduation, Dayton will be working in ASL
accessibility in theatre and hopes to get her
license in ASL interpreting. Many thanks to the
cast and crew for working so earnestly on this very
important production!
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The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
extends our sincerest gratitude to our
many dedicated supporters, alumni,
parents, and theatre patrons who
help to provide our students with
opportunities to stretch their talents
and create life-changing memories.
SPECIAL THANKS
Patrick McCarthy, Professor, Department of English,
for an Edwardian literature lecture to the cast
Avant-Garde Salon and Spa
155 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33143
305-442-8136
avantgardesalonandspa.com
Mario’s Dry Cleaners
now located inside of:
One Stop Dri Cleaning
2241 Coral Way, Miami, FL
33145
305-661-1530
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Special recognition
to Friends of Theatre who have
generously supported the
Department of Theatre Arts and
the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
for over 45 years.
Denys Alt
Tim Anagnost
Jan Benefield
Dr. Thor W. Bruce and Mirella M. LaSalle
Ren Campbell
Dr. Ronald Clark and Gloria Villa
Peter and Bonnie Dockter
Dr. Diane V. Baker and Mr. George Giampetro
Don and Carol Golden
Frank and Juli Herbert
Camille King
Henry Langston
Renee and David Lieberman
Marie-Gabrielle Monteil Lopez
Carol Newport
Sheldon Palley
Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Sarafoglu
Monica Silva
Maggie and Bernie Silverstein
John Softness and Carol Blades
Kimberly and Gregory Scheitzer
Peggy and Frank Vital
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Invest In
Our Students
Donations to the Department of
Theatre Arts’ programming help
us train and provide additional
opportunities to the promising artists
of tomorrow. Playbill Magazine
ranks the U among the top colleges
represented on Broadway.
Help
more students
reach for the
stars!
www.as.miami.edu/theatrearts
To learn more about ways
to support the Theatre programs,
contact
Karina I. Alvarez
karina.alvarez@miami.edu
305-284-2988
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The Threepenny Opera
A Play with Music Based on
John Gay’s THE BEGGAR’S OPERA
By Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill
In Collaboration with Elisabeth Hauptmann
English translation by Simon Stephens
Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
November 10 – 18
This landmark musical theatre piece, recently adapted by Simon
Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), The
Threepenny Opera inhabits a dark underworld the line between
vice and virtue is always shifting. Featuring a sumptuous score
with songs such as “Mack the Knife” and vividly drawn anti-heroes,
this satirical slap at the hypocrisy of capitalism remains eerily
timely nearly 100 years after its debut.
A Lie of the Mind
By Sam Shepard
6565 Red Road Black Box
November 30 – December 2
A landmark play which, in the words of the New York Times, “…is
the unmistakable expression of a major writer nearing the height
of his powers.” Filled with enormous vitality, and humor, the play
explores the destinies of two families, linked by marriage but set
apart by jealousies and distrust, to probe into the human heart
and the destructiveness which it can engender.
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THE JERRY HERMAN RING
THEATRE
Jerry Herman Ring Theatre 1312 Miller
Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
P: 305.284.3355
E-mail: ringtheatre@miami.edu
website: www.miami.edu/ring
Instagram: @JerryHermanRingTheatre
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