Montgomery College Summer Dinner Theatre Serves Up Two Exciting Musicals in 2014
This summer, Montgomery College will bring two acclaimed musicals to the stage—“Seussical” and “Les Misérables”—for its Summer Dinner Theatre performances, starting June 20. “Seussical” performances will take place June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29. “Les Misérables” performances are July 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27. There is a Saturday matinee and a Saturday evening show on June 28. The June 22, 29 and July 20, 27 shows are Sunday matinees.
In the first production, “Seussical,” The Cat in the Hat spins a tale including Horton the elephant, who must protect Whos (denizens living on a speck of dust) while also guarding an abandoned egg recklessly left in his care by Mayzie La Bird. While guarding the Whos, we also learn the story of Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks" as well as many other characters created by the wonderful Dr. Seuss. Meanwhile, Horton is bullied, teased, and treated unkindly for his faith and beliefs by naysayers wanting him to give up his wards. With help from Gertrude McFuzz, who never loses faith in Horton, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. Great toe-tappin’ tunes include “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think,” “Biggest Blame Fool,” and “How Lucky You Are.”
The second show of the Summer Dinner Theatre season, “Les Misérables,” a story as inspiring and beautiful as it is heart wrenching. In the early 1800s of France, after having served 19 years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s son, Jean Valjean is released on parole by police inspector Javert. Though now an outcast, a kindly Bishop offers shelter. Though Valjean steals from the Bishop, the Bishop shows mercy, protects Valjean from the police, and inspires Valjean to become an honest man. Through the ensuing years, Valjean strives to escape his past while being pursued tirelessly by Javert. Many characters and lives cross his path ultimately being drawn into France’s revolutionary period and the dangers that lie ahead. Soaring musical numbers include “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Master of the House” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?”
Montgomery College’s Summer Dinner Theatre, now celebrating 37 seasons, is an annual training ground for both aspiring musical theatre performers and behind-the-scenes artists, who apply or audition for the summer productions. Performers include Montgomery College theatre and music majors, visiting students from universities, talented high school students, and members of the community. Those chosen to participate enroll at Montgomery College for 10 weeks of hands-on education in everything from singing and dancing, to costumes and lighting.
For some students, Summer Dinner Theatre marks the first time they have worked alongside professionals to learn the craft of acting and theatre production. The students also get the thrill of singing with a live orchestra. In true dinner theatre fashion, the students also serve as waiters and support staff at the performances.
Tickets for Summer Dinner Theatre are $51.00 for adults and $39.50 for children ages 12 and under. Prices include the performance and a full dinner buffet. A 10% discount is available for alumni or retirees of Montgomery College on the opening nights of each show. The general public may obtain a 10% discount if an equal number of tickets are purchased for both shows on the same order. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances, the doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with a show time of 8:15 p.m. On Sunday, the doors will open at 12:30 p.m., with a 2:15 p.m. show time. For the one Saturday matinee on June 28, the doors will open at 11:30 a.m., with a 1:15 p.m. show time.
All performances are held in the Theatre Arts Arena on the College’s Rockville Campus, located at 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.montgomerycollege.edu/sdt or call 240-567-7676.
SEUSSICAL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com
LES MISÉRABLES is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com
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