Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department presents Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown October 14-23

ROCHESTER, NY (09/27/2016)(readMedia)-- The Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department and Theatre League are pleased to present Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – a musical adaptation of the classic Pedro Almodóvar film – as the first show in the department's 2016-2017 production season. The show will run October 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; and October 16 and 23 at 2 p.m., in Studio Theatre A48 at the Nazareth College Arts Center.

The Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department offers the only B.F.A degree in musical theatre in Rochester. The program is a pre-professional degree that integrates voice, acting, and dance taught by theatre professionals, Nazareth faculty, and visiting guest artists in a rigorous environment. Nazareth's collaboration with the three-stage Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival enhances training and learning opportunities and creates an intensive professional track training program that rivals many national programs.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

This wild production tells the story of a group of women in late 20th century Madrid whose relationships with the men who pursue them lead to a confusing 48 hours. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown follows Pepa, a middle aged actress who's looking for her possibly philandering lover Ivan. Along with Pepa and Ivan is Ivan's ex-wife of questionable sanity, Lucia; their son Carlos; Pepa's best friend, Candela; a power-suited lawyer, and a narrative taxi driver who's there through it all.

Created by the team behind Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the original stage production maintains the exhilarating tone and touching story of the 1988 Oscar-nominated film. The book was written by Jeffery Lane with music and lyrics by David Yazbek. Lincoln Center Theatre presented the world premiere of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown before it opened on Broadway at the Belasco Theatre in November 2010.

Mayhem and madness abound in this must-see black comedy that is both touching and hysterical.

CAST AND ORCHESTRA

The cast, crew, and orchestra of Nazareth's Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is primarily made up of Nazareth College students.

The orchestra consists of Dylan Niver (drums), Michael Wall (bass), Matthew Witten (percussion), Rob Varon (guitar), and Tony Bisbano (keyboard).

Nazareth College musical theatre students bring this show to life. The production features Kit Prelewitz (Pepa), Chris Peterkin (Ivan), Emily Mulin (Lucia), Grant Richards (Carlos), Katja Stavenhagen (Candela), Justin Smith (Taxi Driver), Abby Swanson (Marisa), Michaela Groth (Paulina), with Anna Kostakis, Janna Kozloski, Josh Feldman, Abby Prem, Christopher Salvaggio, and Mike Scheutz in the ensemble.

TICKETS

General admission tickets to Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown are $13-$15, and all area students receive half-price tickets at the door with valid school ID. For tickets, call – or visit – the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: naz.edu/artscenter.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday- Friday, 11am – 5pm, and for one hour prior to curtain time for Nazareth College Theatre Arts and Dance Department performances.

NAZARETH COLLEGE's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y. challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

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