![[Michael Kirkland]](images/EricHarrell.jpg)
Remember the Basic Food Pyramid from your grade school health class … the one that started with the orange base for grains and built to the purple peak for the meat group? I heard recently that the USDA had given it a makeover. It now has vertical stripes and a couple of new food groups. Despite the changes, the point is still the same: eat a balanced diet.
When it comes to selecting a theatre season, the Regent theatre faculty operates under a similar paradigm. A sampling of a wide body of literature makes for a healthy artistic diet, one that challenges the mind and inspires the spirit. The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 and the stage adaptation of the MGM sensation Singin’ in the Rain satisfy our favorite food group—dessert! However, we also have our fruits and vegetables in the delightful classics The Rivals and The Cherry Orchard. The thought-provoking Spinning into Butter provides some meat, and we’re cooking up another delight with the inspirational new play The Glory Man.
To prepare this season’s feast, your favorite Regent artists are being joined by some talented new company members. We welcome a gifted scenic designer, Mike Burnett; two new acclaimed directors, professors Scott Hayes and Kendal Tuttle; and two internationally recognized guest artists, Dennis Hassell (playwright-in-residence for The Glory Man) and Michael Gaunt (guest director for The Rivals). This year’s season also includes two bonus shows—The Emperor’s New Clothe, a treat designed especially for families and children, and SHORTS!, an innovative festival of ten-minute plays directed by MFA students. That’s a very full plate. I hope you’re hungry.
So, welcome to the table. You are our honored guest.
Eric W. Harrell
Chair, Department of Theatre
