Theatre Arts Honors Past, Unveils Future

November 10, 2003

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- The theatre arts department will celebrate the past and unveil the future on Nov. 13 with a full evening of events.

The evening's festivities begin with an invitation-only ceremony to officially name what has been known for more than 14 years as the Tower Theater. The department's black box theatre will be officially named the Milo Smith Tower Theatre, honoring Dr. Smith, who served Central Washington University and the Theatre Arts Department for 34 years (1956-1989) as founder and chair. He produced 55 shows, directed numerous plays, musicals and operas, and initiated the first children's theatre tour at CWU, as well as the first dinner theatre production. His vision and leadership as project manager and designer resulted in the 1980 construction of the theatre that will now bear his name.

The public is invited to join the celebration Nov. 13 at 7 p.m., in McConnell Auditorium for the Grand Reopening of the theatre after a year-long $2.1 million renovation of the department, which focused primarily on the Auditorium.

The building that is home to the theatre arts department was named on June 8, 1963, in conjunction with commencement, in honor of Dr. Robert McConnell, who served as CWU president from 1931-1959. At the 1963 dedication ceremony James Brooks, CWU president at the time, said, "The building was named for McConnell because he took a great pride in it."

A pride he evidently passed on to his family. Although Dr. McConnell passed away in November 1976, his family will be on hand for the Grand Opening event, including his wife, Mrs. Alma McConnell, and sons Robert McConnell Jr. and Douglas McConnell.

Nov. 13 also marks the fist production of Central Theatre Ensemble's inaugural season. While students will continue to study under the theatre arts department, all productions will be presented by the production company that exists within the department, which will now operate under the name, Central Theatre Ensemble.

"Our new name, Central Theatre Ensemble, was chosen to represent both our home base at Central Washington University, our location as a central guiding artistic force in the center of Washington, and our commitment to theatre training through the ensemble philosophy," says Producing Artistic Director Brenda Hubbard.

Following remarks and the ribbon cutting, the curtain will rise on the CTE and music department production of "West Side Story."

Set in New York in 1957, the show features fast-paced dance numbers, beloved show tunes and a heart-wrenching love story. The scope of a large-scale musical also allows the design staff to show off some of the new technologies, which include new sound and light systems and a multi-line fly system. Cast members have already been enjoying the new, and safer, sprung-wood floor on the stage since rehearsals began a week in advance of fall quarter.

"West Side Story" tickets can be purchased on site or by phone with a VISA or MasterCard. Box office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The box office is also open one hour prior to each performance in McConnell Auditorium.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $13 for senior citizens(65 and older), and $10 for students. Any student with a valid, current student ID qualifies for student pricing. For the enjoyment of all our patrons, cell phones, pagers and babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre. For tickets and information, call 963-1774.