August 14, 2017

The Catholic University of America will present a full line-up of arts events this fall. The Department of Drama will bring two productions to the stage, tackling themes of identity and the dangers of revenge. Students from the Benjamin T. School of Music will also have much to offer, including the fall musical Kiss Me, Kate and the opera double bill The Old Maid and the Thief and Doctor Miracle, as well as performances from the CUA Symphony Orchestra, the wind ensemble, and guests pianists.

For more information on these and other events, visit nest.cua.edu and read the listings below.

Catholic University Drama Productions for Fall 2017

The Department of Drama at The Catholic University of America presents the following events for the upcoming fall semester.

Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for senior citizens, military, University alumni, faculty, and staff; and $5 for students. For more information on these events or to purchase tickets, visit drama.cua.edu, email cua-drama@cua.edu, or call the box office at 202-319-4000.

Futureproof
By Lynda Radley. Directed by Carl Boles-Randolph, M.FA. directing candidate.

The U.S. premiere of a magical and deeply compassionate play about identity and the capacities of the human spirit. At a time when science and religion have conspired to make freak shows shameful, Robert Riley, owner of Riley's Odditorium, struggles to find ways to keep his company afloat. The action revolves around a traveling show that has begun to endure hard times, due to a sudden discovery of conscience on the part of the public. The manager decides to ‘normalize’ his cast, which has serious consequences for some. Performances will take place in Hartke Theatre, 3801 Harewood Road, Oct. 12, 13, and 14, at 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 14 and 15, at 2 p.m.

The Love of the Nightingale
By Timberlake Wertenbaker. Directed by Shirley Serotsky, M.FA. directing candidate.

A timely and timeless update of the ancient Greek myth of Philomel. Sisters Procne and Philomel — separated by marriage and miles — until terrible circumstances finally bring them back together. In a shocking act of retribution the sisters exact revenge on the man who has abused them both, continuing a tragic cycle of violence that can only be interrupted by the gods. Performances will take place in Hartke Theatre, Nov. 16, 17, and 18, at 7:30 p.m.; and Nov. 18 and 19, at 2 p.m.

Upcoming Musical Theatre and Opera Events at Catholic University

The Musical Theatre and Vocal Divisions of the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America present the following events for the upcoming academic year. For more information or to buy tickets, visit music.cua.edu or call 202-319-5416.

Oct. 27-29, 2017
Kiss Me, Kate
Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter. Book by Sam and Bella Spewack.

Cole Porter’s masterpiece follows the antics of a touring troupe of American actors as they reveal the back stage world of show business. The story revolves around the production of a musical version of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, and the on- and off-stage conflict between Fred Graham, the show’s director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi. This is Cole Porter’s biggest hit, a Tony Award winner, and includes audience favorites “So in Love,” “Another Op’nin Another Show,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.”
Performances will take place Oct. 27 and 28, at 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m., at the University’s Hartke Theater, 3801 Harewood Road, N.E., Washington, D.C. Tickets are $40 for premium seating; $25 for general admission; $15 for seniors, military, and University alumni/faculty/staff; and $5 for students and those under 18.

Nov. 16-19, 2017
Fall Operas: The Old Maid and the Thief and Doctor Miracle
Written by Gian Carlo Menotti and George Bizet. Sung in English.

How far would you go for the promise of love? In The Old Maid and the Thief, two otherwise upstanding citizens turn criminal to entice a handsome young stranger. In Doctor Miracle, a young soldier assumes a disguise (or two) and makes a memorable omelet, all to be near the girl he loves. Who wins? Who loses? And, what is in that omelet? Written decades and continents apart, these disparate operas each provide insight into the human search for “happily ever after.”
Performances will take place in Ward Recital Hall Nov. 16, 17, and 18, at 7:30 p.m.; and Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $10 for seniors, military, and University alumni/faculty/staff; and $5 for students and those under 18.

Oct. 5, 2017
CUA Symphony Orchestra Presents: Music of Spain
Featuring soprano Amaya Arberas. Musical direction by Simeone Tartaglione.

The concert will take place at 7 p.m., at the former residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, 2801 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. Admission is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating. Tickets are available at music.catholic.edu.

Oct. 15, 2017
Latin American Music Series
Salon to the Theatre
Ward Recital Hall, 3 p.m., free admission

Nov. 20, 2017
Romantic Masters: Brahms and Bruch
Hartke Theatre, 7:30 p.m., free admission.

Dec. 1, 2017
Annual Christmas Concert for Charity
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 7:30 p.m., free admission.

Dec. 3, 2017
CUA Wind Ensemble
Caldwell Auditorium, 3 p.m., free admission.

Washington International Piano Series at Catholic University
Sept. 21, 2017: Eric Fung, Lebanon Valley College
Oct. 19, 2017: Jenny Lin, 92nd Street Y School of Music
Nov. 30, 2017: Jarred Tafaro, College of Saint Elizabeth

All concerts will take place at 8 p.m. in Ward Recital Hall. Admission is free.