May 6, 2003
Contact: Tower Theatre Box Office (509-963-1774)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Familiar faces will be seen, and voices
heard, in the all-star cast of the Central Washington University
theatre arts production of “Concrete Dreams,” which runs May 8 and 15
at 7 p.m., May 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m., and May 11 at 2 p.m. in
Tower Theatre. The production features the talents of CWU theatre
faculty, staff and local community performers.
George Bellah, theatre arts department chair, plays Virgil
Kemp. Most recently, audiences enjoyed his work as director of the
2002 youth theatre production of “Jungalbook.” Bellah, no stranger to
the stage, has much professional acting work to his credit, including
at the University of Scranton, Pfeiffer College, University of North
Carolina at Greensboro Summer Repertory Theatre and Fort Harrod Dramas
in Harrodsburg, Ky. Bellah teaches a range of acting and directing
classes at CWU.
Michael J. Smith plays Louie Kemp. Smith, a professor of
acting and directing, most recently directed the 2003 production of
“The Laramie Project” and portrayed Don Quixote in 2002’s “Man of La
Mancha.” Smith, a seasoned actor with credits in regional theatres
throughout the Northwest, originated of the role of Reed Gibbs in the
Seattle Repertory Theatre production of “The Ballad of Soapy Smith.”
He has also done extensive commercial work for television and is a
member of several professional unions, including the Screen Actors
Guild.
Leslee Caul, theatre arts director of marketing and
development, portrays Leona. In addition to establishing the theatre
arts marketing department nine years ago, Caul keeps actively involved
in every production. She has been involved in theatrical performances
for years, including on-stage roles in “Laughing Wild” at CWU, “A Pack
of Lies” at Yakima Valley Community College and “Marvin’s Room” for
Laughing Horse Summer Theatre.
Ellensburg chiropractor and theatre lover Don “Doc” Childress
plays Daddy. He is is well known in the local theatre community, with
past performances in numerous shows including CWU’s “Oklahoma!” and
“Man of La Mancha,” Leavenworth Summer Theatre’s “Seven Brides For
Seven Brothers” and Valley Musical Theatre’s production of “State Fair.”
From Ellensburg radio station KXLE FM, program director and
morning personality Steve Sellick provides the voices for Smilin’ Lyle
and Brother Bob. Both characters are featured during a radio show set
within the play. Sellick’s extensive radio background also includes
work with stations in Ephrata and Yakima.
Brenda Hubbard, theatre arts producing artistic director and
associate professor, will direct the premiere production of “Concrete
Dreams,” which she also wrote. Hubbard has directed 13 productions at
CWU, as well as numerous professional productions including the recent
“The Night of the Iguana” at the Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland.
Assistant professor and theatre arts production manager
Derek Lane serves as scenic designer for the production. His previous
work includes the award-winning scenic, costume and lighting designs
for the 2002 production of “Macbeth.”
Scott R. Robinson, associate professor of design, crafted the
costume and make-up design. Robinson has won awards for nearly every
production he has worked on, including his scenic design for the 2003
production of “The Laramie Project” and costume design for 2002’s “Man
of La Mancha.”
Tickets, now on sale, are $10 general admission, $9 for
senior citizens and $8 for students. Senior citizens are those 65
years and older. Valid student identification is needed for student
pricing. Tower Theatre box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. weekdays.
The box office will also be open one hour prior to each performance.
Tickets can also be purchased by phone with a VISA or MasterCard.
For tickets, more information, or for persons of disability
to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1774, or (for
the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.
