Fall drama line-up offers unique mix of plays

Audiences will see a blood-sucking villain and a half-boy, half-bat, get a lesson on the human condition and meet a hero resembling Odysseus from the "Iliad." All these and more will be features in this semester's IU's Department of Theatre and Drama productions.\n"This season might be a little more edgy than the last one," said Jean Kerley, house manager for the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center. \nOne of the edgy productions she is talking about is "Dracula." Based on an 1897 novel by Bram Stoker, this classic thriller is a suspenseful piece of Gothic literature that includes elements of romance, danger and death.\nJohn Kinzer, director of audience development for the IU Theatre and Drama Center, said "Dracula" stands out. \n"It is full of tension and a much scarier play than some others," Kinzer said. "Renfield is the narrator telling the story. There is an emphasis on his madness."\nAnother production is "Bat Boy, The Musical," which might be considered Dracula's spooky, yet comedic cousin production. "Bat Boy, the Musical" brings the story of a half-boy, half-bat, found in a cave in West Virginia, alive through song and dance. This musical brings tabloid stories to life with a plot akin to aliens abducting a celebrity or a baby born with three horns. \n"The music is reminiscent of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,'" Kinzer said. \nIn addition to the music and the involving script, the set design will attempt to transport the audience into Bat Boy's home domain. About 18 different set pieces will switch throughout the show.\n"The audience is more in the action of the play," said Johnathan Michaelsen, chairperson of IU's Theatre & Drama department.\nThe department's next production is "The Cherry Orchard" by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. The script revolves around saving an old family orchard, yet focuses on the characters involved. Kinzer said the audience will be able to relate to the characters in the play. \n"You can see parallels in our lives today," Kinzer said.\n"The Cherry Orchard" will also have sentimental value for the cast. The play is the first set designed by theater professor Fred Duer. Howard Jensen, senior member of the theatre and drama department, will say goodbye to IU with this as the last play he directs. \n"Happy birthday wanda june" a play written by Hoosier author and playwright Kurt Vonnegut, combines comedy with a serious script. Kinzer said the play will make the audiences think.\n"It is very much like reading a Vonnegut book," Kinzer said.\n"Happy birthday wanda june," a story inspired by Homer's "Odyssey," tells the story of a war hero returned home to find that much has changed since his departure. \nThe season gives the audience a variety to choose from. No matter what mood you are in, the IU theater has strived to fit it. Above all Michaelsen feels all plays are supposed to entertain. \n"It is called a play for a reason," said Michaelsen. \nTickets can be purchased as a full subscription for the entire year's performances. For those who would like a little more flexibility, a new flex-pass book is available that allows the holder to use the four vouchers for any show during the season. Single ticket prices range from $10 to $17. Orders can be placed online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 333-9955 or in person at the IU Auditorium box office. \n-- Contact staff writer Jessica Dalsing at jdalsing@indiana.edu.