ON CAMPUS:Theater lineup will please audiences

Vanguard University’s theater department is in full swing, planning and rehearsing for its 2007-08 season. This fall’s lineup includes “America’s Broadway,” “Twelfth Night” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“This line-up of shows is our most audience-friendly and the most challenging season to date. We have always produced shows that push the envelope artistically, but this is definitely going to be an adventure ride,” said Sue Berkompas, Vanguard University theater department chairwoman.

“America’s Broadway” is a collection of some of Broadway’s favorite musicals, featuring classics such as “West Side Story,” “Oklahoma!” and “The Music Man.” This compilation is a great introduction to musicals, combining some of the best moments from American musical theater into one exciting night. “America’s Broadway” runs Sept. 21 to Oct. 6.

“Twelfth Night” is a classic Shakespearean comedy placed in the Balkan Peninsula around 168 BC. The plot juxtaposes a romantic story that includes separated twins, misplaced passions and mistaken identity with the plight of Malvolio, a self-deluded steward who dreams of becoming a count. The role of Malvolio will be played by a special Equity guest artist. People are not always who they seem to be in this tale that runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4.

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” originally a film by Frank Capra, tells the Christmas Eve story of George Bailey, a kind and giving man whose dreams have been crushed. Overcome with despair, he is paid a visit by his guardian angel and shown what the world would have been like had he never been born. “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be performed Nov. 30 to Dec. 9.

The spring offers three additional performances: “You Can’t Take it With You,” “The Crucible” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

In Moss Hart and George Kaufman’s Pulitzer Prize winning “You Can’t Take it With You,” two polar opposite families come together to create classic stage comedy. The Kirbys are a conservative well-to-do family, while the Vanderhofs do not care about money and live for fun. This comedy is great for all ages, and reveals what truly matters in life. Performances are Jan. 25 to Feb. 3.

Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” is the classic story of small town hysteria. In 1692 a few Puritan girls are accused of witchcraft and create fear that takes over the town of Salem, Mass.

By the end of the play, ordinarily rational men and women are condemning each other to the gallows.

Performances are suitable for ages 12 and older, and will run from Feb. 22 to March 2.

In “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Richard Morris creates a romantic musical about a plain girl from Kansas who moves to New York during the Roaring 20s. She experiences a whole new world full of jazz, flappers and modernity that create the stage for her crazy adventures. Thoroughly Modern Millie runs from March 28 to April 13.

“We have already sold three times the amount of season subscriptions as last year, so we anticipate sold-out houses. This will also be the season that we break ground on our new lobby renovation, which will include new restrooms and a specialty coffee service area. There is so much to look forward to,” said Berkompas.

The Vanguard University Lyceum Theater is a 185-seat venue.

Box-office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the box office at (714) 668-6145.