Theatre, music students present rarely performed opera

Contact: Tonya Durlach
Photo of WMU production of 'The Tender Land.'

Theatre, music students stage "The Tender Land" Feb. 16-19.

KALAMAZOO--Marking a returning collaboration between its School of Music and Department of Theatre, Western Michigan University welcomes Aaron Copland's rarely performed opera "The Tender Land" to the Gilmore Theatre Complex's Shaw Theatre for four performances Feb. 16-19.

Performance schedule
"The Tender Land" at Shaw Theatre

  • Thursday, Feb. 16 - 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 17 - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 18 - 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 19 - 2 p.m.

"The Tender Land" tells the picturesque story of a soon-to-be graduate who falls in love with an ill-reputed drifter staying with her family. Searching for freedom, commitment and adventure, both yearn to be together. But, delicate circumstances loom close as this coming-of-age tale unfolds in the heartland of America.

Alice Pierce directs the all-student cast. She is accompanied by a creative team that includes: Dr. David Little, music director; Deb Norton, choreographer; Greg Roehrick, scenic advisor; Justin Humphres, sound designer; and Matt Knewston, lighting designer.

Tickets

Reserved seating for "The Tender Land" at Shaw Theatre is $20, $15 for senior citizens and WMU employees, $5 for WMU students and $10 for all other students. Tickets are available by calling (269) 387-6222, online at wmutheatre.com, or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex or Miller Auditorium ticket offices. Group discounts are available by calling (269) 387-3227. An opening night reception sponsored by Oakwood Bistro will take place after the Feb. 16 performance.

For more information, contact Emily Duguay, University Theatre, at emily.duguay@wmich.edu or (269) 387-6222.