MICHIGAN CITY – The Dunes Summer Theatre launched its new website today, including its extended 2018 Summer Season, and its new “Jackson Series”— a series of special shows and concerts to be performed between show dates.
“This summer, we’re hosting local musicians, guest plays, and the works of local artists between shows so our audiences can enjoy entertainment every weekend at the theatre,” said Dunes Summer Theatre Artistic Director, Jeffrey Baumgartner.
The “Jackson Series” kicks off with the musical, “The Last 5 Years” on April 27, 28 and 29 with Jeff Otto returning as musical director. Performances are Friday/Saturday at 7 PM CST and Sunday at 2 PM CST.
The regular 2018 Summer Season begins with “Greater Tuna,” a satire about life in Texas. This two-man show will see the return of actor Andy Ricci (“I Hate Hamlet” and “The Mousetrap”) as he teams up with Baumgartner in this hilarious spoof. The pair play multiple characters and undergo quick costume changes in this jet-propelled comedy. “Greater Tuna” runs May 4, 5, 6 and 11, 12, 13. Performances are Fridays/Saturdays at 7 PM CST and Sundays at 2 PM CST.
Next up is “The Spitfire Grill,” a musical directed by Steve Scott, producer at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, who oversaw over 200 productions at the Goodman. “The Spitfire Grill” runs May 25, 26, 27 and June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10.
Following is “Noises Off” a farcical comedy directed by Jeffrey Baumgartner, which runs June 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and July 1, 6, 7, 8.
Leigh Selting, chair of the University of Wyoming Theatre department, returns this summer to direct two plays for the theatre, including the marvelous musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, which runs July 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and August 3, 4, and 5. Selting will also direct this summer’s thriller “Wait Until Dark” which runs August 17, 18 19 24, 25, 26, 31 and September 1, 2.
The Dunes Summer Theatre will also produce the play “Charlotte’s Web,” family fun theatre for young audiences. “Charlotte’s Web” performed by adult actors, will run twice a day on August 3,4 and 10, 11 at 10 AM CST and 2 PM CST. Tickets for this production are $10 for adults; $5 for children. (Tickets are included in the 2018 Season Subscription.)
Completing the season, is “After Paul McCartney,” a play written by local playwright, David Hoppe. Directed by John Greene, Chair of Columbia College’s Graduate Theatre program.
“Jackson Series Performances” include evening concerts by Spanish and classical guitarist, Peter Aglinskas; and a concert by Johnny V. who will sing classics from Neil Young, Tom Petty and other iconic musicians. A concert version of “Man of La Mancha” will also be presented one evening only; and “Sacred Sands,” a local production, which tells the story of the people who saved the Dunes from the clutches of developers and corporate interests. Closing the “Jackson Series Performances” will be a John Lennon tribute band called “Dear John.”
Rounding out the summer is “The First Brush of Fall”—an event that attracts painters, young and old, from the region to compete for cash prizes. Artists will spread out across Michigan City to paint iconic buildings and landscapes, then offer their works for sale to the public. Artists can register for this event now at www.dunesartsfoundation.org/boxoffice. This event is sponsored by Horizon Bank and the Indiana Plein Air Artists Association.
Season Tickets, individual show tickets, and tickets to the “Jackson Series Performances” are available for purchase online www.dunesartsfoundation.org/boxoffice. Senior (65+) and Student show tickets are available for $15; General Admission tickets are $18. All “Jackson Series Performances” are $20. The Season Ticket includes one “Jackson Series Performance” of the ticket holders’ choice.
The Dunes Arts Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is located at 288 Shady Oak Dr. Michigan City, Indiana.
