NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents Carmina Burana

From press release

DEKALB, Ill.—Northern Illinois University’s (NIU) staging of the final show of its 2009-2010 season, Carmina Burana, puts a modern dance spin on medieval revelry.

The School of Theatre and Dance will perform the dance production Carmina Burana Thursday, April 22, through Sunday, April 25, in the Stevens Building’s O’Connell Theatre on the DeKalb campus.

Choreographed around the musical score of the same name by Carl Orff, Carmina Burana is a full-length, modern dance piece that tells the tale of the Burana, a group of medieval villagers who abandon their lives of religious piety in favor of the pursuit of more earthly pleasures, which, of course, must include drinking, gluttony and lust.

The director and choreographer, Paula Frasz, feels live theater audiences have a need and desire for full-length modern works. Known for her range of storytelling through movement, Frasz has used Orff’s work to create an original, modern dance experience.

“The original music score is not about anything,” says Frasz. “The music is (based on) ancient Germanic and Latin and not really understandable. I laid a loose story of a medieval community over the original text.”

She describes the production as “…lusty, funny, spectacular and magical, with glorious music, costumes and scenery.”

According to Frasz, audiences will experience the spectacle of period-style costumes, hand-painted scenery, and dramatic classical music, but should not lose sight of the student performers.

“I want the audience to also appreciate the talent, range and ability of our dancers and our dance program,” Frasz adds.

Show times are 7:30 p.m., weekdays and Saturday, and 2 p.m., Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased at the Stevens Building O’Connell Theatre box office, on the NIU DeKalb campus behind the Pizza Hut and McDonald’s restaurants on West Lincoln Highway, Monday-Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.; Friday, noon to 2 p.m.; and one hour before show times. Tickets can also be ordered by phone at (815) 753-1600 or online at www.niu.edu/theatre. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for students.

Because of mature content, this show is not recommended for children.