PJC announces 2016-2017 drama season
Published or Revised January 13, 2017
Paris Junior College Department of Drama is excited to announce the 2016-2017 season, which includes something for everyone. There are children’s and youth theater choices and shows the whole family may enjoy, with messages of hope, charity, individuality, and personal well-being. "Our students can't wait to see audience reactions to this year's productions," said Walker. "We're very excited about the new season." The first show of the new season, “The Giver,” is a modern classic adapted for the stage by Eric Coble and directed by PJC Drama Instructor Robyn R. Huizinga. The play is based on Lois Lowry’s Newberry Award-winning novel of the same name. “The Giver” follows Jonas as he begins an unforgettable journey of discovery beginning on his twelfth birthday when he becomes The Receiver of Memory, a title of honor in his community. Learning his perfect society is not what it seems to be, he is suddenly faced with a choice of what to do with his newfound knowledge in a place where choice no longer exists. Show dates and times are Oct. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $15, and the show will be performed free for invited local middle schools. The PJC Drama and Music departments will collaborate to present “Scrooge, The Musical,” a Christmas classic the whole family will enjoy in the coming holiday season. Written and composed by renowned writer-composer-lyricist Leslie Bricusse in 1970, this festive musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel is a tale that has charmed generations with its story of repentance, giving, and the magic of the Christmas spirit. “Scrooge, The Musical” will be directed by PJC Drama Instructor Will Walker with musical direction by PJC Music Instructor Dr. Michael Holderer. Show dates and times are Dec. 1-3 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 3-4 at 2:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $15. Dramatic excitement continues into the spring semester with a stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved novel “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” from “The Chronicles of Narnia” series. The story follows the Pevensie children Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, as they are transported to the world of Narnia through an enchanted wardrobe. Together, along with the help of many memorable characters, including Mr. Tumnus and Aslan the Great Lion, they race against time to save Narnia from The White Witch. Dates and times for this show are April 6-8 at 7:30 p.m., and April 8-9 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, and the show will also be performed free for local elementary schools. The season will close with the Third Annual New Works Festival: Pyro Playfest - “Cover to Cover: Literary Adaptations.” This event offers works of theatre from new playwrights, designed and performed by PJC students in the drama program. Each of this year's selections will be based on literary works such as classic novels, children’s books, youth literature, etc. Audiences are placed close to the action through a three-quarter, thrust-style arranged seating on the Ray E. Karrer Theatre stage - so reservations are required as seating is limited. Tickets are $10 for general admission and and free to PJC students, faculty, and staff with current ID. Dates and times for this show are April 27-29 at 7:30 p.m., and April 29-30 at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be held at the Ray E. Karrer Theater, located at 2400 Clarksville St., Paris, TX 75460. For ticket information or reservations please email pjcdrama@parisjc.edu. All shows are free to those with current PJC ID.