Wright State Theatre opens season with premiere of ‘Restoration!’

Wright State University Theatre opens its 42nd season with the premiere of the romantic thriller “Restoration!” in the Festival Playhouse Sept. 22 to Oct. 2. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University Theatre opens its 42nd season with the premiere of the romantic thriller “Restoration!” in the Festival Playhouse Sept. 22 to Oct. 2.

Inspired by the most popular adaptation of Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” “Restoration!” features flashing sword fights, a budding romance, a surprise happy ending, music from start to finish and period 17th century dress.

Performances are Sept. 22, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m.; Sept. 23, 24 and 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.; and Sept. 25 and Oct. 1 and 2 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. For tickets, call 937-775-2500 or buy online.

Dayton Power and Light is the opening play presenting sponsor for the 2016-2017 theatre season.

In addition to seeing the thrilling production, patrons can also visit the newly renovated and expanded Creative Arts Center.

“Come join us for a fabulous season to find out why the new complex has people praising this breathtaking newly expanded arts complex,” said W. Stuart McDowell, artistic director of the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures.

“Restoration!” is written by McDowell, who, in his 22 years at Wright State, directed such hits as “Cyrano de Bergerac,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables.”

The play is filled with music composed by Dayton musician Sandy Bashaw and McDowell and sword fights choreographed by Bruce Cromer, professor of theatre arts. “Restoration!” is based on Nahum Tate’s adaptation of “King Lear,” which held the stage for a record 160 years.

The production features a set designed by David J. Castellano, costumes by Christie Pietzmeijer, lights by Matthew P. Benjamin, properties by John Lavarnway, sound design by Ryan Burgdorf, technical direction by Timothy Crosby Judge, stage management by Kevin Blessing and vocal work by Deborah Thomas.

The cast of 18 features Joey Logan as Lear, Connor Lysholm as Edmund, Christian Schaefer as Cornwall, Jake West as Kent, Ross Bloedorn as Edgar, Katlyn Tilt as Goneril, Julia Gomez as Regan, Katie Sinicki as Cordelia, Josh Beasley as Gloucester, Kenneth Erard as Albany, Mallory Kraus as the Harpsichordist, Brynnan McNeill as Arante, Dana Bixler as The Fool, Zach Pruett as Mr. Chompsky, Isaac Ingle as Oswald, Jeremy Farley as Burgundy, Danni Hepp as Young Lady 1 and Madeleine Musico as Young Lady 2.

Wright State Theatre season continues
Wright State Theatre’s 2016-17 season continues with the all-singing, all-dancing “No, No, Nanette!” Directed and choreographed by Joe Deer, the distinguished professor of musical theatre, the musical runs in the Festival Playhouse from Oct. 27 to Nov. 13.

The theatre season also includes “The Children’s Hour” from Feb. 2 to 12 and Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” March 16 to April 2.