ORCHARD DEVELOPMENT to Run 4/16-25 at SSU

"Orchard Development," is a multi-media dance/theater mash-up based on Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard."

Humorous, self-mocking and poignant; the production is an exploration of text, movement and image in a post-modern reverie of change, loss and the impermanent nature of experience. The story of an aristocratic Russian family facing imminent bankruptcy and the sale of its famous cherry orchard and family home is loosely re-set in the American Midwest. A multi-layered experience, SSU's "Orchard Development" meshes mixed media, spoken word, original choreography and music in a fresh examination of Chekhov's great comedy.

Performance on Sunday, April 19 will be followed by a post show discussion. Friends and Family performance is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23 offering SSU faculty, staff, students and alumni free admission and standard, senior and visiting student admission for $5. The Thursday, April 23 performance also includes pre-show discussion from 6 to 7 p.m.

Regular performances will run April 16 to April 25, 2015, playing 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19 (Performance followed by a post show discussion); 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 21 (Student Matinee); and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23 (Friends and Family Night) SSU faculty, staff, students and alumni admitted free. It all takes place at Sonoma State University, Evert B. Person Theatre, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928.

Parking: From the South entrance on East Cotati Avenue, turn right at the stop sign in front of the information kiosk. Park in Lots E (left) and F (right). Parking in SSU lots is $5 at all times. Permits may be purchased from the vending machines located at the entrance to parking lots, or at toll booths when available.

For tickets, go online at www.sonoma.edu/theatreanddance/productions/orchard-chekhov.html, call 707-664-4246 or go in person to the box office, located on the first floor of the Student Center. On performance nights, depending on the venue, the Person Theatre or Ives Hall box office will open 45 minutes prior to the event start time. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the box office at 707-664-4246 or email tickets@sonoma.edu. For more ticket information, visit www.sonoma.edu/tix.

Photo Credit: David Papas