The Department of Drama and Dance
The 2011-2012 Drama Season A Look Back at the 2011-2012 Season Hofstra Drama Department’s 2011-2012 season featured a well-rounded lineup of contemporary plays and well-loved classics. Most excitingly, this season the Department launched a major initiative aimed at incorporating student work into the regular mainstage season.
War of the Roses.) Professor Pei-Chi Su designed costumes evocative of New York’s Lower East Side in the 1990’s, and student Connor Van Ness designed the lighting. Alumna Whitney Stone choreographed the show’s many exuberant dances. Guest Artist Jeff Theiss was musical director, bringing off a tight, exciting rendering of the show’s rock and popThe season began with Christopher Durang’s 1985 influenced score. comic drama The Marriage of Bette and Boo. The production was staged by Professor Royston Coppenger in the Spiegel Theatre. Due to an ill-timed decision by the University to replace the Spiegel’s roof, Bette and Boo had the distinction of being probably the only Drama Department show ever to have its opening night rained out. However, by the second performance order was restored and the rest of the run went off without a hitch. The production featured lighting by Professor Rychard Curtiss. The remainder of the design team was comprised of students: Kaitlin Donelan designed a damp but inventive set; Hauzia Conyers designed costumes evocative of mid-century America; Rent, 2011 Photo by Carol Rosegg and Max Lehman provided an extensive sound design. Former student David Gordon, currently a budding After two contemporary plays the Department retheater critic in New York City, returned to serve as turned to the classics with Professor Peter Sander’s the production’s dramaturg. production of The Importance of Being Earnest. The production was staged in the round in the Black Box Theater, on Department Chair David Henderson’s minimalistic set. Cheryl McCarron designed the elegant Edwardian costumes, Professor Rychard Curtiss
The Marriage of Bette and Boo, 2011 Photo by Phil Marino
The second show of the season was Jonathan Larson’s contemporary musical Rent, staged by Professor Cindy Rosenthal in the Adams Playhouse, on a multilevel, environmental set designed by guest Gary Hygom (who also designed the previous season’s The The Importance of Being Earnest, 2011 Photo by Brian Ballweg 10