Hope Summer Repertory Theatre will open the fourth production of its 47th season, “An Iliad,” on Friday, July 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the John and Dede Howard Recital Hall of the Jack H. Miller Center for the Arts.
Following the opening, there will be performances on July 13, 14, 17, 19, 23, 25, 27 and 31; and August 2 and 7. All performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the John and Dede Howard Recital Hall.
“An Iliad” is a modern-day retelling of Homer’s classic. Poetry and humor, the ancient tale of the Trojan War and the modern world collide in this captivating theatrical experience. The lone figure on stage is a storyteller — possibly Homer, possibly one of the many bards who followed in Homer’s footsteps. She is fated to tell this story throughout history.
“An Iliad” is directed by HSRT’s artistic director, Lenny Banovez, who joined the company earlier this year. It is the first production that Banovez is directing with Hope Summer Repertory Theatre.
As Banovez puts it, “‘An Iliad’ breathes life into this ancient tale, and allows us to experience it anew through some of the most innovative, challenging, funny and intense storytelling I have seen in years.”
The creative team includes Sarah Pearline as scenic designer, Andrew Souders as costume designer, Eric Van Tassell as lighting designer, Josh Schmidt as sound designer and Haley Borodine as props master. Kris Murphy serves as stage manager and Marisol Cowan serves as assistant stage manager.
The cast includes Emily Trask and Alicia Storin.
Tickets for “An Iliad” are $30 for adults, $27 for senior/faculty/staff, and $15 for children under the age of 15. There is general seating for this performance. Tickets and season packages may be purchased through the ticket office in the Events and Conferences Office located downtown in the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. Eighth St.). The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at 616-395-7890. Tickets can also be purchased online.
The Jack H. Miller Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Hope College at 225 Columbia Avenue, between 9th and 10th streets. The John and Dede Recital Hall is on the building’s main floor.
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre’s 47th season runs June 13 through August 10 and includes “The Wiz,’” “The Odd Couple,” “An Iliad,” “Godspell” and “The Dragon Pack Snack Attack.” More information can be found online or on facebook.