Schwartz Center announces its 2001-2002 seasons

The Sheila W. and Richard J. Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, formerly the Cornell Center for Theatre Arts, has announced its dynamic new theater and dance seasons.

The 2001-2002 theater season starts off steamy and ends up side-splittingly silly as the center's talented actors embody the works of Tennessee Williams, William Shakespeare and Thornton Wilder, among others.

Season subscriptions are now on sale at the Schwartz Center Box Office (open weekdays 12:30-5:30 p.m.) or by calling 254-ARTS. Prices are $35 for students and seniors and $45 for the general public.

The fall 2001 opener brings the South alive on the proscenium stage with Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. This play is a Pulitzer Prize-winning portrait of a family's frantic battle to claim money and power. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof runs September 20-29 in the Kiplinger Theatre.

Cornell theater is hosting the regional premiere of The Rez Sisters, Oct. 24-Nov. 4. Native American playwright Tomson Highway provides a powerful portrayal of seven "rez sisters" who attempt to beat all the odds by winning at bingo. Native American director and Cornell alumnus Randy Reinholz will direct this honest look into the lives of contemporary Indian women.

Next, the exquisite late romance by Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale, claims the stage. This magical play sparkles with the Bard's eloquence. This winter's tale appropriately is being performed Nov.15-Dec. 1.

The center's Black Box Theatre will be the setting for Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. The innovative classic that stunned theatregoers when it first was staged in 1953, follows two tramps/clowns who sing, dance, joke and argue their way toward the ultimate meaning (or meaningless) of human existence. Renowned director Richard Schechner lends his expertise to this play to be performed Jan. 30-Feb. 10, 2002.

The Schwartz Center continues its theatre season with a play that helped define the rebellious counterculture of the 1960s. Based on the celebrated Ken Kesey novel and made popular by a movie starring Jack Nicholson, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest will delight audiences Feb. 13-23, 2002.

Concluding the season, April 25-May 4, 2002, is Thornton Wilder's The Matchmaker. The story, which served as the inspiration for the musical Hello, Dolly!, is a hilarious and complicated farce based on the pursuit of the perfect love match.

Early season subscribers will receive a free Cornell tote bag while supplies last. Pick up season subscription forms at the Schwartz Center or call 254-ARTS to have one mailed. Online subscriptions also are available at www.arts.cornell.edu/theatrearts.

2001-2002 Dance Series opens Oct. 4

Dancers from the much-sought-after Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company perform one of their athletic and graceful dance pieces. The troupe will perform at the Schwartz Center March 26-27, 2002, as part of next season's Cornell Dance Series, which has subscriptions available now. Robert Whitman

Dance from different cultures and varying styles will be highlighted on the Cornell stage next season. The Schwartz Center will be the site for traditional Indian dance as well as magnificent modern performances.

The 2001-2002 Dance Series opens Oct. 4 with a one-evening-only opportunity to see the American Indian Dance Theatre. An integrated company of dancers, singers, and musicians from various tribes, the American Indian Dance Theatre has received international acclaim for its spectacular staging of traditional Native American dance and ritual ceremonies, as well as contemporary pieces reflecting the spirituality of Native peoples.

The Cornell Dance Series continues with Dance Concert 2002 and the chance to see original choreography by the talented dance students and faculty at Cornell. Rich costumes and settings, fresh and flawless dancing, and ingenious music and movement combine for an exuberant evening of dance. Performances are March 7-10, 2002.

The Cornell Department of Theatre, Film and Dance teams up with the Department of Music to host performances by the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company March 26-27, 2002. One of the world's most sought-after dance troupes, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane's choreography has been termed a "glory of American dance."

Discounts are available for dance events by purchasing early through subscription sales. Dance season subscriptions are on sale at the Schwartz Center Box Office, weekdays, 12:30-5:30 p.m. A subscription for all three dance events is $57 for the general public and $48 for students and seniors. A subscription for Dance Concert 2002 and one of the visiting companies is $35 for the general public and $28 for students and seniors. For season subscriptions, call the box office at 254-ARTS or subscribe online at www.arts.cornell.edu/theatrearts.