Comedy is the bill of fare at Penn State Lehigh Valley with the production of Chekhov Vaudevilles: Four One-Act Comedies by the Russian Master, featuring four of Anton Chekov's comedies: "The Bear," "The Proposal" and "The Jubilee," as well as his comic monologue, "On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco." Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and 25, and March 2, 3 and 4 at the Historic IceHouse Performing Arts Center, Sand Island, Bethlehem. After the opening night performance on Feb. 23, there will be a Theatre Reception for all in attendance. Advance reservations are required for this event.
The cast features students from Penn State Lehigh Valley along with Penn State alumni and performers recognizable from their work on area community theatre stages. Stage manager for the production is Lehigh Valley native and Penn State Berks staff member Courtney Russell. Assistant stage managers are Penn State Lehigh Valley students Joseph Haines and Mercedes Pereira, both of Allentown.
Janice Pope, assistant professor of theatre arts at Penn State Lehigh Valley, will direct the production. She holds a master of fine arts degree in acting/directing from Syracuse University; is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SSDC); and serves on the administration of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region II.
The show is appropriate for patrons of all ages. Tickets go on sale Jan. 16 and may be reserved by calling the Reservation Line at (610) 285-5090. The cost of advanced sale tickets is $12 for adults, $10 for Penn State alumni and senior citizens, and $5 for students. Tickets purchased at the door on the days of performance cost $15 for adults, $12 for Penn State alumni and senior citizens, and $6 for students.