“Everyman, The Musical” Brings Modern Spin to Medieval Morality Play

The California State University, Dominguez Hills Department of Theatre Arts and the Dominguez Bridge Theatre Company are pleased to present “Everyman, The Musical,” written specifically for the South Bay region, opening tonight, April 17 and running until April 26, in the University Theatre on campus.

The play is part of the 2009 Festival of New American Musicals Festival, a four-month festival highlighting new musicals coming out of Southern California regional theaters. For more information, visit www.lafestival.org.

Adapted by theater arts professor Bill DeLuca using interviews from South Bay residents involved with local community service organizations, “Everyman, The Musical” breathes hilarious new life into the somber 15th century morality play “Everyman,” in which God sends Death to summon Everyman to a reckoning of his life.

In this community-based adaptation, Everyman is represented by Every Bro, Every Dude, and Every Woman. The characters he seeks help from along the way symbolize various types of people living in the South Bay, from a Torrance lawyer to a Latino family in Carson to a CSUDH professor. Only Good Deeds, a suffering woman, can show Everyman the way to salvation by helping him serve the needs of others.

In Act Two, the play will be moved to different locations, including outside, so audience members are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. Guests with special needs will be provided assistance.

Directing the play is theatre arts instructor and alumna Naomi Buckley, who brings students, alumni, faculty and community members together to present this timeless tale about living a good life. Music was composed by former CSUDH employee Michael Hirsch, synthesized by music major Andrew Sporn, with choreography by Doris Ressl, dance program coordinator. Set designs were created by theater professor Rex Heuschkel, and puppets by theater arts alumna Frannie Smith.

The Dominguez Bridge Theatre Company (DBTC) is a community-based theater group formed in 2007 by the CSUDH Department of Theatre Arts that was inspired by the Cornerstone Theatre Company in Los Angeles, which is famous for creating theatre performances for and with the community it serves. DBTC members interview representatives of the on- and off-campus population to identify issues, people, and events that define them, turning the interviews into community-relevant theater for the South Bay.

Performances will take place on two weekends only. The Friday and Saturday performances, April 17 and 18 and April 24 and 25, will take place at 8 p.m. There is one Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on April 26.

Individual ticket prices are $12 general admission or $10 for students and senior citizens. Special group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Season subscriptions are $35 or $30 for students and senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased the day of the show, or in advance by calling the box office at (310) 243-3589.

For more information, call (310) 243-3588.

To see the YouTube promo for "Everyman," click here.

- Amy Bentley-Smith