Plus July 27 Special FUNraiser Event
Dunes Summer Theatre has set the stage for some island fun with its production of South Pacific In-Concert, featuring acclaimed opera singer from Chicago’s School of Lyric Opera, Phillip Torre, as Emile De Becque, and Chicago actor Jenna Fawcett.
Torre was most recently seen in Sweeney Todd with the Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater and won a Jeff Award for Best Principal Performer in a Musical for his portrayal of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Torre has appeared in leading roles with opera companies in the U.S. and abroad including Lyric Opera of Chicago, New York City Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Manitoba Opera, Opera Maine, and Opera Delaware among others.
Fawcett has performed on stages around Chicago, including the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and Chicago Symphony Center.
Producing Artistic Director Jeffrey Baumgartner said, “We’re thrilled to present this timeless classic on Dunes Summer Theatre stage featuring some of the region’s finest musical talents. We’re especially thrilled to present the amazing talents of musical director, Andrew Holtz, who has composited a rich and lush orchestration.” Based in Tucson Arizona, Holtz will also serve as Dunes Summer Theatre’s musical director of Working 2012.
South Pacific candidly explores the issue of racial prejudice, with popular standards including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Ha’I,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” “There Is Nothing Like a Dame,” “Happy Talk,” “Younger Than Springtime,” and “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”
South Pacific won the Pullitzer Prize for Drama in 1950 and 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Libretto. It is the only musical production to win Tony Awards in all four acting categories.
South Pacific is presented in-concert and runs for three performances only, July 26, 27, and 28. All concert tickets are $20.
The Saturday, July 27 performance begins with Dunes Summer Theatre’s Annual Gala with this year’s theme being Tiki Night.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. CDT, attendees of the Tiki Night FUNraiser will enjoy food from Fiddlehead’s Restaurant, a Silent Auction, music from a celebrity guest artist, receive one drink ticket, a special gift from Dunes Summer Theatre, and priority seating to Saturday’s performance of South Pacific In-Concert. Tiki Night FUNraiser Tickets are $75 with all proceeds going to support Dunes Arts Foundation’s theatre and educational programs.
Tiki Night FUNraiser and individual show tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit www.dunesartsfoundation.org/boxoffice or call the Box Office at (219) 879-7509.
Dunes Summer Theatre is operated by the Dunes Arts Foundation a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization. Founded in 1951, it is currently celebrating its 68th season of continuous operation. This “gem in the woods” provides quality professional theatre and education programs in an enchanting setting.
