OXFORD, Miss. – A variety of entertainment is the offering
this spring by theatre arts students at the University of
Mississippi.
The lineup for the Department of Theatre Arts includes a
dance company’s exploration of love, a celebrated American
classic and Broadway-inspired song and dance.
The season kicks off Wednesday (Feb. 13) at 8 p.m. in Meek
Hall Auditorium with Mississippi: The Dance Company’s
“What’s Love Got to Do with It?” The performance features
nine dances, including swing-inspired, modern and ballet
pieces and runs through Feb. 16.
Choreographed by students and faculty, the show focuses on
many aspects of love, such as romance, love of self and
spiritual love, said Jennifer Mizenko, associate professor
of theatre arts and one of the choreographers.
“This is dancing for dancing’s sake,” Mizenko said. “It’s
an evening where you’ll get nine different answers to the
question, ‘What’s love got to do with it?'”
Following on April 2-6, the department presents a rendition
of John Steinback’s award-winning book “The Grapes of
Wrath” in Fulton Chapel at 8 p.m. The show, directed by Dex
Edwards, associate professor of theatre arts, includes a
matinee performance for local schools on opening day.
Ending the theatre department’s 2007-08 season is the 27th
annual “Showstoppers,” a collection of 20 Broadway songs
and dances staged April 22-25 and 27 in Fulton Chapel. Show
time is 8 p.m. except Sunday’s 2 p.m. performance. This
year’s title, “The Showmakers,” celebrates the individuals
behind the scenes of Broadway who direct, choreograph and
help with the concept or writing of a show, said Rene
Pulliam, associate professor of theatre arts and the show’s
director. Showstoppers will feature numbers from musicals
such as “America” and “A Chorus Line.”
“It (the show) is singing and dancing,” Pulliam said. “It’s
a fun-filled evening of entertainment and just puts a smile
on your face, makes you want to dance and sing.”
Tickets prices for all three shows are $10.50 for adults,
$8.50 for children and seniors and $7 for UM students with
a valid ID. Call 662-915-7411 or they can be purchased at
the UM Box Office in the Student Union lobby or online at
For assistance related to a disability, call 662-925-7411.