Songs by The Go-Go's
Based on 'The Arcadia' by Sir Philip Sidney
Conceived and Original Book by Jeff Whitty
Adapted by James Magruder
DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY AMY FRITSCHE
Kent State University’s School of Theater and Dance is continuing is 2022-2023 season with the production of "Head Over Heels" running November 4 through November 13.
Following the 16th century prose romance of Sir Phillip Sidney, King Basiliu and his family deal with the dangerous prophecies of the new Oracle, Pythio. After being warned the kingdom is losing it’s beat, the family sets out on an outrageous adventure to save the kingdom from extinction. However, the key to saving the kingdom may be much closer to home.
This bold new musical is a comedic love story, based on Sir Philip Sidney's The Arcadia, set to the music of the iconic 1980s band The Go-Go's. "Head Over Heels" includes the hit songs "We Got the Beat," "Our Lips Are Sealed," "Vacation," "Mad About You," and more.
Amy Fritsche, associate professor of acting and musical theatre, is serving as the director and choreographer. Jonathan Swoboda, associate professor of musical theatre, is the music director. Professor of theater, Yuko Kurahashi, is the dramaturgy advisor.
The production team also includes costume design by Michelle Souza, lighting design by Jakyung C. Seo, scenic design by Kate Field, sound design by Jeff Polunas, props supervision by Kat Thorpe, and technical direction by Adam Craft. Amanda Rearick is the production stage manager.
"Head Over Heels" is presented through a special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, 440 Park Ave. S, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016. www.broadwaylicensing.com
James Magruder
James Magruder is an American playwright, author, and translator. He made his Broadway debut with the book for Triumph of Love. His adaptations of Marivaux, Molière, Lesage, Labiche, Gozzi, Hofmannsthal, Dickens and Giraudoux have been staged across the country in Germany and Japan. In 1997, his translation of Three French Comedies, was named an “Outstanding Literary Translation of the Year”. Also a fiction writer, he has published Sugarless, a Lambda Literary Award Finalist; Let Me See It, a story collection; Love Slaves of Helen Hadley Hall; and the just-released Vamp Until Ready. He teaches dramaturgy at Swarthmore College and French drama at the Yale School of Drama.
The Go-Go’s
The Go-Go’s formed in 1978 and were an integral part of the LA punk scene. Band members include Charlotte Caffey, Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin. They made history as the first, and to date only, all-female band that both wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to ever top the Billboard charts. Their 1981 debut album, Beauty and the Beat, was #1 on the charts for six consecutive weeks and it remains one of the most successful debut albums of all time. In 1982, they received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, followed by a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a 2021 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Go-Go’s have indelibly made their mark in music history.
PERFORMANCES
All performances will take place in E. Turner Stump Theatre, located in the Center for the Performing Arts (1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, OH 44242).
Friday, November 4, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 5, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 6, 2022
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 10, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 11, 2022
NO PERFORMANCE – VETERAN'S DAY (University Closed)
Saturday, November 12, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 13, 2022
2:00 p.m.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets to "Head Over Heels" can be purchased through the Performing Arts Box Office by phone at 330-672-2787 or online at the link below beginning September 12, 2022.