WMU Theatre to present Midwestern premiere of 'The Witches of Eastwick'

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University Theatre continues its 2017-18 season with the spellbinding musical "The Witches of Eastwick," which opens Friday, Oct. 6, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 15, in Shaw Theatre at the Gilmore Theatre Complex on the University's Main Campus.

Based on the original novel by John Updike, the musical portrays three women who try to brew up the perfect man, but find that he's more sinister than sweet.

WMU students rehearse "Witches of Eastwick."

'The Witches of Eastwick'

The musical is based on the blockbuster movie of the same name, which starred Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer. "The Witches of Eastwick" tells the story of three modern witches in the Rhode Island town of Eastwick where nothing ever changes. Tired of the daily doldrums of martinis and brownies, the three women use powers they never knew they had to create the man of their dreams, getting more than they bargained for.

This musical is not widely known, having been produced originally on London's West End. It has not been approved for production for more than a handful of presenting organizations in the United States, and due to the tenacity of director Jay Berkow, WMU is lucky enough to be the first university to perform this show.

WMU was honored to host the composer of "The Witches of Eastwick," Dana P. Rowe, on campus during the first week of rehearsal to work with the cast on the music he wrote. He referred to the all-student cast as "amazingly talented."

Performances

All performances will be held in Shaw Theatre, which is located inside the Gilmore Theatre Complex on WMU's Main Campus in Kalamazoo.

• Friday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 15, 2 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets are $23 general admission, $21 for seniors and WMU employees, $10 for students and $6 for WMU students. They are available online at wmutheatre.com, by phone at (269) 387-6222, or by visiting the University Theatre Box Office in the main lobby of the Gilmore Theatre Complex between noon and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about the event, visit wmich.edu/music or call (269) 387-4667.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.