Sonoma State University’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance spring 2020 season begins with a classic musical about one of philosophy's oldest questions: is the world good or bad? The acclaimed satire “Candide” which follows a young man through a knockabout series of disasters to test if everything is part of God's universal plan, will be presented on campus in collaboration with the Music Department starting tonight.
A cast of more than 20 SSU students and an orchestra with SSU music professors will premiere “Candide” at Evert B. Person Theatre beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free for SSU students and discounted for faculty and staff. The production will be shown over a 10-day period with beautiful costumes, music and stage direction by the university’s own Music and Theatre Arts Departments.
“We are living in a complicated moment right now, and the idea of freedom and the actuality of it in thoughts and expression is being challenged,” said Lynne Morrow, music director for the show. “With Candide, the audience can ask themselves ‘how are you taking your own freedom for granted?’ or ‘is this the best of both possible worlds?’”
One of the most famous theatrical comedies also will be presented at Sonoma State. From April 23 to May 2, “Tartuffe,” which tells a story about hypocrisy, religion and how appearances can be deceiving, will be performed eight times for the campus and surrounding community to enjoy.
Sonoma State’s Dance Program also will be performing as part of the spring season, beginning on April 2 with the annual Spring Dance concert. The event showcases renowned guest artists from around the world to help explore and present new dance works featuring Sonoma State student performers. Over the concerts six performances, Spring Dance 2020 will include work by guest artists Farrah McAdam, Nzinga Woods and Heather Visser, along with work from Dance faculty Christine Cali and Kristen Daley.
All events will be held in Evert B. Person Theatre or Ives Hall 119. For each production, all Sonoma State students are admitted free with a valid student ID. For non-SSU students and seniors, tickets are $10, $15 for SSU faculty and staff and $17 for standard admission. On select Thursday nights, “Friends and Family Night” features $5 admission for all ticket buyers, with faculty, staff and alumni receiving free admission. Tickets can be purchased online at the performing arts box office. To purchase tickets in person, the box office is located on the first floor of the Student Center or, depending on the venue, the Pearson Theatre or Ives Hall box office will be open 45 minutes prior to showtime. For more information, visit the Theatre Arts and Dance ticket page.