PlayMakers Repertory Company will present the world premiere of “Spring Training,” written and performed by international musical/spoken word ensemble Universes, April 24-28.
“Spring Training” has been specially commissioned by PlayMakers and Carolina Performing Arts as part of the “Rite of Spring” project celebrating the classic ballet’s 2013 centennial.
PlayMakers, the professional theater in residence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, concludes its 2012-2013 PRC² second-stage series with the production. PRC² features innovative, topical plays coupled with engaging post-show discussions with the creative artists and other panelists following each performance.
Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. nightly and 2 p.m. on April 28 in the Elizabeth Price Kenan Theatre in the Center for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road. Tickets are $15 to $40 and may be purchased at www.playmakersrep.org or by calling (919) 962-PLAY (7529).
In “Spring Training,” Universes uses “The Rite of Spring” as a springboard to deconstruct rites of passage. The group will bring their unique talents to an exploration of Stravinsky’s groundbreaking composition and create a daring 21st century soundtrack on ritual and revolution, breaking cultural barriers anew.
Universes is known for being eloquent, edgy and entertaining. The Los Angeles Times wrote of the New York-based ensemble, “These performers are fierce, funny and bitingly intelligent.” The Boston Globe called Universes “a headlong explosion of poetry, percussion and multi-culti musical exploration that absolutely demands to be seen.”
The Triangle’s INDY Week (formerly the Independent Weekly) gave Universes’ 2007 show at PlayMakers a rave review, saying these are “folks you’ve got to see and (particularly) hear” with “intricate rhythms and intricate stories, told by artists … as adept at polyrhythmic musical composition as they are at acting.”
Classical Voice of North Carolina called the troupe’s last PlayMakers’ appearance (“The Big Bang,” 2010) “some of the most exciting music ever created a cappella … [Universes] simply pours power and passion from the stage … Hip-hop or not this group will entertain you.”
The group recently was honored as one of five finalists for the first Kennedy Theater Prize, the new $100,000 theater award established in honor of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his interest in American history. One of the theater’s most lucrative prizes, it was established in September by Kennedy’s sister Jean Kennedy Smith, with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner.
Ticket packages are also currently available for PlayMakers’ 2013-2014 season. For the lowest prices, new and renewing season ticket holders can take advantage of discounted rates through May 1. For more on the new season, visit www.playmakersrep.org.
PlayMakers is based in UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences. The Drama League of New York has named PlayMakers one of the best regional theaters in America and INDY Week calls PlayMakers the best live theater company in the Triangle.
Web site: www.universesonstage.com/
PlayMakers contact: For press information, interviews, photos or poster art, contact Connie Mahan, (919) 962-5359, cmahan@email.unc.edu.