pop staff

The University of Oklahoma Summer Stage presents "The Bremen Town Musicians," a musical with book by Allen Robertson and Christopher Boyd, music and lyrics by Allen Robertson.

The production, which began Thursday, will continue with 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. performances today, a matinee performance at 3 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. performances July 8-11.

Guest director Christopher Boyd brings his professional experience to direct this tale. Four animals deemed too old to be useful to their masters flee their grisly fates in hopes of finding freedom and happiness. OU Summer Theater brings this familiar Brothers Grimm tale to 1930s America, with country, bluegrass and gospel forming the soundtrack to the road trip of the Donkey, Cat, Dog and Rooster intent on becoming the Bremen Town Musicians.

Boyd has worked professionally in nearly every aspect of the performing arts for more than 25 years. He co-founded the award-winning theater company Second Youth, serving as artistic director for that company as well as the Zilker Summer Musicals in Austin. Since re-locating to New York in 1998, he has directed off-Broadway, as well as created scenic, costume, prop and sound designs for dance and theater productions in New York City, Texas, London, Berlin, Paris and Denmark including the "Martha @" series, and 360? Dance.

The cast consists of Jordan Brodess, Tonia Campanolla, Clarice Diers, Will Gardner, Zachary Kropp, Robin Huston, Madison Neiderhauser, Lindsey Newell, Gregory Rottman, Colin Ryan, Natalie Steinke, Curry Whitmire, Clayton Winters and Addie Work.

The production team includes Christopher Boyd, director, Jessie Downs, assistant director, Janet McCann, stage manager, Paige Hathaway, set designer, Christopher Harris, costume designer, and Eric Stehl, lighting designer.

All tickets are $5. Reservations can be made by calling the OU Fine Arts College ticket service at 325-4101, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The box office is located in the Catlett Music Center, 500 West Boyd. For accommodations on the basis of disability, call the OU Fine Arts Box Office at 325-4101.

Later in the month, Summer Stage will offer a production of "Henry IV, Part I," considered one of Shakespeare's finest but lesser known works. This coming-of-age story features the young, brash, rebellious Prince Hal and the antics of his decadent, jovial sidekick, Falstaff and is set in the midst of the political instability of England's 15th throne. Performances run July 17-26 in the Weitzenhoffer Theatre.

At the helm of "Henry IV, part I" is OU School of Drama Director Tom Huston Orr, who also will portray Hotspur, one of the Bard's most beloved "bad guys." Tom has served as a performer, producer, director or combat choreographer on 220 theatrical productions from Boston to Austin. He is professionally represented by Switzer Talent Agency.

All summer shows are in the Weitzenhoffer Theatre, 555 Elm Ave, on the OU campus. Tickets are $5. For performance times and tickets, call the OU Fine Arts Box Office at 325-4101.