St. Joseph, Mo. – April 12, 2012 – The Western Institute at Missouri Western State University has created a new summer professional theatre company, Western Playhouse. The company will present three productions in June and July at Potter Hall Theater on the Missouri Western campus.

“I’m pleased at this latest example of the arts flourishing here at Missouri Western and in the St. Joseph community,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “We’re grateful that the community has enthusiastically supported our recent theatrical productions, and Im certain that they will support this new endeavor by our faculty members as well.”

Dallas Henry and Tee Quillin, assistant professors of theatre and cinema, will serve as directors of the Playhouse, and will direct and perform in the three productions.

“Our goal is to enhance the local arts scene with professional-quality summer productions that will be fun for the whole family,” said Dr. Gordon Mapley, dean of the Western Institute. “We’ll have picnic tables set out in front of Potter Hall, encouraging families to picnic before the performance, and we’ll have ice cream sundaes at intermission. We really want this to be a festive atmosphere for the audience.”

Productions in Western Playhouse’s inaugural season, “A Season of Love,” include:

*”You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” June 15-17, 22-24. This beloved musical has all of your favorite “Peanuts” characters, including Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder, and of course Charlie Brown. Music and lyrics by Clark Gesner. Book by John Gordon. Directed by Henry. Musical direction by Mark Pennington.

*”Barefoot in the Park” July 5-8. When newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter set up house in a tiny fifth-floor apartment in Greenwich Village, they learn about leaking skylights, nosy neighbors, interfering in-laws, and, oh yes, love. By Neil Simon. Directed by Quillin.

*”I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” July 19-22, 27-28. A musical joyride through the phases of love: the trials and tribulations of being single, dating, marriage, loss and heartbreak are cleverly explored in this hilarious musical. Music by Jimmy Roberts. Book by Joe DiPietro. Directed by Henry. Musical direction by Shaun Agnew.

“These shows are a lot of fun, with a lot of heart,” Henry said. “From the nostalgia of Charlie Brown pining for the little red-haired girl to the comical complications of newlywed life in ‘Barefoot’ to the hysterical take on modern suburban romance in ‘I Love You,’ there really is something for everyone.”

Some of the casting is complete. Quillin will star as the title character in “Charlie Brown.” Henry will play Paul Bratter in “Barefoot.” The husband-and-wife team of Shaun and Jessica Agnew will join Quillin in “I Love You.” Auditions for remaining roles will be held in St. Joseph April 21 and Kansas City April 28.

“This will be a great showcase for acting talent in the region,” Quillin said. “The casts are relatively small, but the roles are substantial and will give professional actors a chance to shine.”

Tickets are $9.50 for children for all performances. For adults, tickets are $15 for “Charlie Brown” and $18.50 for the other two productions. Adult season tickets are $45, and group discounts are available. Tickets are available at www.westernplayhouse.com, or by calling the Missouri Western box office at 816-271-4452.

For more information about the Western Playhouse, contact Henry at 816-271-4442.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.

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