What: The University of New Haven (UNH) Theatre Program will present the spring musical "Zombies From The Beyond." Song and dance and laughs abound in the unlikeliest of settings as the Cold War and space-race paranoia threaten the good folks at the Milwaukee Space Center. Alien beings land in their flying saucer determined to make zombies out of Earth's male population. Will Milwaukee be saved from this heinous plot? The New York Times has described "Zombies" as a "dead aim, deadpan, dead-on new musical with keen-eyed skill to spare." The New York Post raves about "Zombies," "A splendid surprise. This crazy satire is absolutely enchanting. By all means see - it's 24 carat fun."
When: Wed.-Sat., Apr. 9-12, 8 p.m.; Sun., Apr. 13, 4 p.m.
Where: Dodds Theatre, UNH Campus
Details: Based on the low-budget, sci-fi movies of the 1950's, "Zombies" opened off-Broadway in 1995 to almost unanimous praise from the New York critics. In the original cast was Robert Boles, who directs the UNH Theatre Program. James Valcq, the author and composer, received a M.F.A. from the prestigious New York University Musical Theatre Writing Program. On-Broadway he has conducted and/or played in the orchestras for "Chicago," "Flower Drum Song," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," and "Cabaret." Off-Broadway, Valcq has also authored "The Players Theatre," "The Spitfire Grill," and "Playwrights Horizons." "Spitfire" received Best Musical nominations from the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama League, and two Drama Desk nominations.
"Zombies" is choreographed by Beverly Ward. Beverly studied at San Diego's Junior Theatre. At the age of eighteen she toured with Annie Miller and Mickey Rooney in "Sugar Babies." Much of her professional career has been spent playing opposite her husband, actor/director/writer Kirby Ward. On Broadway, she covered and for Louise and the Queen in "Epic Proportions." Regional audiences nationwide have seen her perform countless roles. She is also a composer and has written the scores for two stage musicals and begun work on a third.
This event is sponsored by the Theatre Program at UNH. Admission is free for all UNH faculty, students, and staff with valid ID. The cost is $10 for non-UNH students with valid ID and $15 for the general public. For more information, contact Robert Boles at 203-479-4512 or rboles@newhaven.edu.
