Indiana State University Newsroom

Advance sale tickets will be available beginning April 12 for the upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, co-produced by the Indiana State University Department of Theater and School of Music.

A Little Night Music celebrates the desperation and delight of romantic attraction as a trio of mismatched couples in Sweden tries to find their way to love. Performances will be April 19-22 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Dreiser Theater, located north of Cherry on 6th Street.

Inspired by Ingmar Bergman's film 1956 film, Smiles of a Summer Night, A Little Night Music tells the romantic tale of an aging gentleman's marriage to a young "trophy wife." A weekend in a country chateau with a host of engaging characters and wonderful flirtations reveals the beauty of true love.

A Little Night Music tells the story of Fredrik Egerman's search for love. Married to his teenage trophy wife, Anne (portrayed by Abby Cunning), he dwells on the fact the 11-month marriage has never been consummated. As a result, Fredrik's eyes begin to wander, and he ends up having a sexual encounter with an old fling, the actress, Desirée Armfeldt (played by theater major Clara Butts). Meanwhile, Desirée is seeing a married dragoon, Count Carl-Magnus (portrayed by theater major Preston Dildine). Fredrik's son from a first marriage, Henrik (played by music education major Cameron Callan), a seminary student one year older than Anne is infuriated about the weekend's events and leaves with plans of suicide. Anne follows him and, after talking, they realize that they both love one another. Fredrik (played by psychology major Jonathan Wachala) ends up in a duel with the Count over Desirée. The Count and Countess reunite, and Fredrik and Desiree complete the happy ending by getting together.

A Little Night Music, set to a score entirely in waltz-time, includes one of Sondheim's most popular songs, the Grammy Award-winning "Send in the Clowns."The production is directed by theater professor Chris Berchild, with Mark Carlisle of the School of Music serving as musical director. Teresa McCullough of the department of kinesiology, recreation and sport management served as choreographer.

Since its original 1973 Broadway production, the musical has enjoyed professional productions and returned to Broadway in 2009, starring Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones. It was adapted for film in 1977, starring Elizabeth Taylor.

Tickets for this musical will be sold only in advance. Tickets will not be available at the door, except those which were already paid for in advance by credit card. Cost is $20 for the general public. ISU students will get in free with their student ID. Tickets can be purchased with cash, check or credit card through the New Theater ticket office, located at 540 N. Seventh Street, from noon- 4 p.m. beginning Thursday, April 12 through Friday, April 20.

For more information, call the New Theater Ticket Office at 812-237-3333 during the ticket office hours.

Contact: Chris Berchild, ISU Theater Department, 812-237-3332 or chris.berchild@indstate.edu

 Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications and Marketing, 812-237-3783 or paula.meyer@indstate.edu