"The Roar of the Greasepaint" takes on The OC

May 5, 2006

The Irvine Valley College Theatre Department presents the “The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd,” in a new production that updates the Leslie Bricusse-Anthony Newly musical to a commentary on the haves and the have-nots in Orange County.

The play runs Friday May 5 – Saturday May 13, Thur.-Sat. at 8 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. Tickets $10-$11. For information, call (949) 451-5333. Contact the producer at (949) 451-5303.

As the comedy is an iteration of the 1965 play, it still focuses on the characters’ search for a purpose in life, set in the style of a musical tale. But here, the Irvine Valley production journeys into the psyche of local young college students who are faced with the contradictions of wealth and poverty, race and power. They question the inherent exclusivity they see built into the Orange County lifestyle, and try to judge the rightness of the established class system, retaining the play’s timeless appeal.

Producer John-Frederick Jones

Director Bart McHenry

Music Director Randy Woltz

Choreographer Jehann Williamson

Scenic Designer Sean McMullen

Costume Designer Carin Jacobs

Technical Director/

Lighting Designer Jim Rynning

Sound Design/

Sound Board Operator Don Eisentraut

Irvine Valley College is located at 5500 Irvine Center Drive, on the corner of Jeffery Road and Irvine Center Drive in Irvine. For more information about Irvine Valley College, please call (949) 451-5277.