Producer to discuss future of musicals

October 09, 2008 07:02 am

— SELINSGROVE — Susquehanna University’s Department of Theatre will present legendary Broadway producer and director Hal Prince on Sunday Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. in Degenstein Center Theater. Prince is associated with many of the best-known Broadway musical productions of the past half-century. He has garnered 21 Tony Awards, more than any other individual, including eight for directing, eight for producing, two as producer of the year’s Best Musical and three special awards.
Prince is known as the great modern producer-director of the American Broadway Musical. Critics have described Prince’s work as helping to develop the “concept musical,” in which production centers on an idea or metaphor that is explored through scenes and songs that do not unfold in a traditional sequential narrative style. His shows are known for their political context and new approach to romance.
Prince attended the University of Pennsylvania at age 16 and graduated at age 19. He began work in the theatre as an assistant stage manager to legendary theatrical producer and director George Abbott. Along with Abbott, he co-produced “The Pajama Game,” which won the 1955 Tony Award for Best Musical.
“Cabaret” hit in 1966, and 1970 marked the start of his greatest collaboration with composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Their association spawned a long string of productions, including “Company” (1970), “Follies” (1971), “A Little Night Music” (1973), “Pacific Overtures” (1976) and “Sweeney Todd” (1979). He also directed two of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s successes, “Evita” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
This evening honors the memory of Bruce L. Nary, professor of speech and theatre, who served Susquehanna with distinction from 1960 to 1991. The Dr. Bruce L. Nary Visiting Artist Program was established in 2005 for the purpose of bringing to campus recognized professionals in the field of theatre. The Susquehanna University community is deeply grateful to Professor Nary’s wife, Dorla, for honoring her husband in this very special way.
The lecture is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required. For more information, call the Department of Theatre, 372-4300.