UD’s Resident Ensemble Players presents its commissioned play, “O Beautiful,” a drama by Theresa Rebeck April 20-May 15. Its story explores the lives of high school students and their families, and “the all-too-present issues of gun violence, cyber bullying, right-to-life and pro-choice, inflammatory rhetoric of television pundits and racism,” says director Sanford Robbins. Rebeck, an internationally celebrated playwright, describes the piece as “a tragicomic reflection on abortion, teen suicide, the Tea Party movement, gun control, Jesus and the Founding Fathers.” Call this a major get for UD. In today’s financially strained professional theaters, says Robbins, “Audiences rarely have the chance to see a world premiere by a major American writer.” Don’t miss this one. For more, call 831-2204, or visit udel.edu/theatre. —Maria Hess
Page 2: The Sisterhood
The Sisterhood
Rehoboth Beach and Greve, Italy, became sister cities a year ago. In honor of that fusion, the sisters will offer the Verrazzano Celebration April 15-17. Meet distinguished guests from Greve and enjoy activities such as a boat tour that traces Verrazzano’s voyage along the coast of Delaware. Check out the accompanying exhibit and reception at the Rehoboth Art League. Stay the weekend—most local hotels will offer deals. For more, call 249-7878, or visit rehobothsistercities.org.
Page 3: Ah, Bach
Ah, Bach
Mélomanie, a quartet that does Baroque with a contemporary twist, offers the world premiere of “Piece for Mélomanie,” an intricate composition by Jennifer Margaret Barker. The musicians also will perform the works of Beethoven, Bach, Copland and Quantz at Grace Church in Wilmington April 3. For more, call 764-6338, or visit melomanie.org.
Page 4: Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group, known and sometimes feared for its percussive instruments, tribal rhythms and use of paint, splatters the DuPont Theatre April 5-10. “The show is outrageous—total sensory overload,” says a theater spokesperson. “And yes, we have ordered extra cleaning supplies for the month of April.” For more, call 656-4401, or visit duponttheatre.com.
Page 5: Here’s to You, Joe DiMaggio
Here’s to You, Joe DiMaggio
With the exception of his brief marriage to Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio’s fans know little about his personal life. The Great Yankee Clipper liked his privacy, and those who attempted to capture his life in print or film kept their distance. Award-winning local playwright Richard Gaw was curious. He wanted to “explore what the volley between fame and solitude could do to someone and where it left him at the end of his life,” he says. That exploration resulted in “DiMaggio,” a play that has its world premiere at OperaDelaware Studios April 8. “I wanted to imagine a man in the twilight of his life, desperately wishing to share himself with those who never truly knew him, and telling the world about the woman he loved more than life itself,” says Gaw. “The first act is about baseball and the second act is about Monroe. In the end, what I’ve attempted to write is the whole, sweeping story of an American hero.” Performances will be April 8-9, 14-16, at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available at OperaDelaware Studios on the day of the performance. For more, contact Gaw at (610) 274-2174, or by e-mail at gawbrooks@aol.com. —Maria Hess
