Monday, Nov 04, 2024 • Brian Lopez : contact

The University of Texas at Arlington Department of Theatre Arts and Dance presents On the Town, the classic musical comedy that follows the adventures of three American sailors on a 24-hour shore leave in New York City during World War II. The trio experiences a whirlwind of romance, comedy and dance as they explore the city’s iconic landmarks.

The show will run for six performances in UTA’s Mainstage Theatre from Nov. 6-9 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on Nov. 9 and 10 at 2 p.m.

Based on an idea by Jerome Robbins, the production examines the interplay between expectation and reality. Its depiction of the fleeting nature of youth and love—set to music by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green—makes for a heartwarming theatrical experience. First produced on Broadway in 1944 and on film in 1949, this musical has enjoyed a number of revivals since its original debut.

On the Town is a fully produced mainstage musical featuring a cast of talented students in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance. It is directed and co-choreographed by J. Austin Eyer, music directed by Vicky Nooe, co-choreographed by Sarah Fagan and designed by UTA faculty, staff and students.

Though the musical’s backdrop is 1944 New York City and its people, UTA’s production showcases women in the workforce. Women held a third of all manufacturing jobs during WWII, and over 86,000 served in the Navy as WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).

“Our production of On the Town is the same script you may have seen onstage before,” said Eyer. “However, the casting or representation of characters is meant to reflect the people of New York City and the students in our department.”

Landon Blanton, a senior BFA musical theatre major who plays Chip in the production, said he thinks what makes this staging so exciting is the breaking of expectations.

“The rehearsal process has taught me how to open my eyes to new possibilities,” he said.

The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance faculty is excited to help undergraduate students engage with a musical comedy written almost a century ago as a part of a balanced education as theatre artists.

“Even though On the Town is considered a traditional musical comedy, our department purposefully brings complex discussions and interactions to historical texts to examine how their themes can resonate with students here on campus,” said Eyer.

Tickets are $22 for the public; $15 for students, seniors, and UTA faculty and staff. For tickets visit https://utatickets.com/.

The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance in the College of Liberal Arts at UTA provides comprehensive undergraduate education through theory, research, and practice in the performing arts, theatrical design, and dance. Theatre Arts and Dance’s educational environment is characterized by shared values, unity of purpose, diversity of opinion, mutual respect, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

On the Town is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. (www.concordtheatricals.com)

— Written by the Department of Theatre Arts