Next Summer Theatre show to open
ESU Media Relations
Originally published 12:34 p.m., July 17, 2008
Updated 12:34 p.m., July 17, 2008
The 54th season of ESU Summer Theatre comes to an end with the new musical, “I Love You Because.” The New York Times says the musical is “infectiously entertaining and filled with wit and zest!” It will be presented in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall, July 23-26 at 7:30 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $5 for students. Tickets can be reserved at the box office by calling (620) 341-6378 or toll-free at (877) 341-6378.
“I Love You Because” by Joshua Salzman and Ryan Cunningham is billed as a modern day musical love story. A new take on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” sophomore Dylan Lewis of Wichita plays Austin Bennet, a young greeting card writer, whose longtime girlfriend has left him. On a blind date, he meets a flighty photographer, Marcy Fitzwilliams, (sophomore Emily Warren from Wichita) with relationship dilemmas of her own. Encouraged by their friends Jeff (2008 grad Eric Luchen, Overland Park) and Diana, portrayed by Ashley Kobza of Kearney, Neb., Austin and Marcy seem destined for one another. Or do they? Senior Emily Young (Parsons), Junior Chris Lohkamp (Wichita) and Junior Amanda Mayer (Hutchison) round out the cast performing multiple roles.
Jim Bartruff is the director and Lindy Bartruff is the choreographer. Penny Speedie is the music director. Amanda Dura is the costume designer. The settings are designed by Nancy Pontius. 2008 graduate Michael Wilke is designing lights. Senior Tricia Stogsdill (Pleasanton) does the hair and makeup. Senior Katie Schultz (Hesston) is the production stage manager.
This show marks the debut of ESU Theatre’s new technical director, Craig Moxon.