Gainesville, Fla., Aug. 31, 2016 - The Hippodrome Theatre and the University of Florida School of Theatre + Dance announce a co-production of STAGE KISS, a play bySarah Ruhl, directed by Tim Altmeyer on stage at the Hippodrome Theatre September 2-25, 2016.
The Hippodrome Theatre is thrilled to be opening it's 44th season with a spectacular new play by Sarah Ruhl, STAGE KISS! In partnership with UF's School of Theatre and Dance, this romantic comedy opens September 2 with discount previews August 31 and September 1 and runs through September 25.
With past successes like Peter and the Starcatcher, Clybourne Park and Avenue Q, this New York Times Critic's Picks will win the hearts of audiences as they watch Hippodrome company member favorites and UF students shining on the mainstage.
STAGE KISSis a wry romantic comedy about two former lovers who find themselves starring in a play together. As they're required to share the stage, and stage kisses, they have to navigate their feelings for one another, and the line between art and reality starts to blur. Prepare yourself for a frothy farce mixing stage drama and backstage lives into an intoxicating delight!
Director of the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance Dr. Jerry Dickey said, "The UF School of Theatre and Dance is honored to continue its annual partnership with the Hippodrome. The great value of this partnership is that it unites many of the strengths of both organizations to create a powerful theatrical experience for Gainesville audiences. This year's co-production, Stage Kiss, is a funny, smart and surprising new play by one of the leading dramatists in the U.S., Sarah Ruhl. It's a play for anyone who loves the theatre, or for anyone who had ever been in love. It's not-to-be-missed!"
This isn't the first time the Hippodrome has done a Sarah Ruhl play. Other favorites include Eurydice in 2009 and Dead Man's Cell Phone in 2010. Ruhl, recipient of a PEN/Laura Pels award in 2008, is known for a more surreal style.
Hippodrome's Artistic Director, Lauren Warhol Caldwell, said, "Our fourth adventure! Our 44th season opens with our fourth partnership as a Co-Production with UF School Theatre and Dance, Stage Kiss by Sarah Ruhl! This partnership has proven to be beyond beneficial to both institutions. I'd like to thank Jerry Dickey and the whole department for this collaboration. Oh, I will leave you with this, as Betty Davis once said in a movie, "I would love to kiss you, but I just washed my hair." "
STAGE KISS is directed by Tim Altmeyer and stars (in alphabetical order):
Brittney Caldwell, David Patrick Ford*^, Gregg Jones*^, Michael Krek, Stephanie Lynge*^, Summer Pliskow and Andrew Quimby. *Member of the Actors Equity Association. ^ Hippodrome Company Member.
On stage September 2-25, 2016. Discount Previews Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 STAGE KISS showtime's are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 5pm & 8:30pm, Sundays at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets on sale at (352)375-HIPP (4477) and thehipp.org.
About the Hippodrome
As a cornerstone of Gainesville's robust cultural life, the Hippodrome has a legacy of providing the very best in artistic excellence through programming on the mainstage, cinema, special events, and its award-winning education program. Now in its 42nd year, the Hippodrome is a non-profit, professional regional theatre serving hundreds of thousands of audience members annually. www.thehipp.org. The Hippodrome is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
About the School of Theatre + Dance
The School of Theatre + Dance is one of the University of Florida College of the Arts’ institutionally-accredited schools. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting, dance, musical theatre, theatre production—including costume design, lighting design and scenic design—or a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance studies or general theatre. Minors are also offered in dance and theatre as well as certificates in arts in medicine and dance in healthcare. Student organizations, showcase programs and other intensives provide students with invaluable professional experiences. UF is home to three School of Theatre + Dance performance venues, including the Constans Theatre, Black Box Theatre and G-6 Studio. To learn more about the School of Theatre + Dance, including upcoming performance dates and ticket information, visit www.arts.ufl.edu/theatreanddance.
About the College of the Arts
The College of the Arts is one of the 16 colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. The College of the Arts offers baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in its three institutionally-accredited schools — the School of Art + Art History, School of Music and School of Theatre + Dance. The college is home to the Center for Arts in Medicine, Center for Arts and Public Policy, Center for World Arts, Digital Worlds Institute, University Galleries and the New World School of the Arts in Miami. More than 100 faculty members and approximately than 1,200 students work together daily to engage, inspire and create. The college hosts more than 300 performances, exhibitions and events each year. Faculty and students also exhibit and perform at other local, national and international venues. To learn more, visit www.arts.ufl.edu.
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Media Contact
Allison Alsup
University of Florida College of the Arts
Office: 352.273.1465
aalsup@arts.ufl.edu
