Old Lyric Company Kicks Off Its Summer Season

Utah State University’s Old Lyric Repertory Company returns to northern Utah this summer with four entertaining stage productions at the historic Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan.

Led by artistic director Dennis Hassan, the Old Lyric Repertory Company (OLRC), is a professional theater program based in the Theatre Arts Department in the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State.

“We are looking forward to the 2011 season because each production was selected for its excitement level and appeal for all crowds,” said Hassan.

The company traditionally offers a variety of shows annually, including a comedy, a musical, a classical piece and a mystery. This summer features “The 39 Steps,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “See How They Run” and “Amadeus.” Plays run June 16-Aug. 6.

“The 39 Steps” is an adaptation of the classic Hitchcock spy story and a Cache Valley premiere. Four actors portray dozens of characters in this classic murder mystery.

“If you’ve never seen an Alfred Hitchcock movie, you’ll love it; if you have, you’ll love it even more,” said Hassan.

The production runs June 16-18, July 7, 9, 20, 29 and Aug. 4. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly with additional 2 p.m. matinees June 18, July 9 and Aug 4.

A Lyric favorite, “Little Shop of Horrors,” is this year’s comedy-horror musical. The main character, Seymour Krelborn, hits a streak of luck when he discovers a strange and interesting plant that takes him on an exciting and dangerous adventure.

“Little Shop of Horrors” runs June 23-25, July 6, 15, 23, 28, Aug. 3 and 5. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. with additional 2 p.m. matinees June 25, July 23 and 28.

“See How They Run,” written by Philip King, is a British farce at its best, complete with slamming doors, mistaken identities and, of course, missing trousers.

The production runs June 30, July 1, 2, 5, 8, 21, 26, Aug. 2 and 6. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with additional 2 p.m. matinees July 2, 21 and Aug. 6.

Fitting for the Caine College of the Arts Summer Music Institute featuring Mozart, the Old Lyric Repertory Company presents “Amadeus,” written by Peter Shaffer.

“This is a Tony award-winning play that examines the riches-to-rags story of Amadeus Mozart and incorporates politics and religion into a fantastic plot,” said Hassan.

The play runs July 13, 14, 16, 19, 22, 27, 30 and Aug. 1. Each night’s production begins at 7:30 p.m. with additional 2 p.m. matinees July 14, 16 and 30.

Tickets for OLRC productions can be purchased by visiting the Caine College of the Arts Box Office at Utah State University in room 139-B of the Chase Fine Arts Center open 9 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday, by calling 435-797-8022 or online (arts.usu.edu). Tickets are also available at the Caine Lyric Theatre beginning June 6, from 1-5 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday and an hour prior to curtain on show nights. Individual ticket prices range from $18 to $25 for adults, $15-$21 for seniors and USU faculty and staff and $12-$18 for USU students and youth. Discounts are available.

For more information on the OLRC’s 2011 season, see the website (arts.usu.edu/lyric).