Department of Theatre Presents Faculty-Directed Production of Neil Gaiman’s ‘Coraline’

WORCESTER, Mass. – The department of theatre at the College of the Holy Cross will present Coraline, based on the novel Coraline (copyright 2002), by writer and graphic novelist Neil Gaiman., on March 22 - 24 and 29 - 31 at 8 p.m. in Fenwick Theatre (O’Kane Hall). Tickets are $7 for members of the Holy Cross community and $10 for the general public. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at a special rate of $5 each.

In the tradition of Alice in Wonderland, Coraline follows the adventures of a young girl drawn into a dark world inhabited by talking animals and beings with strange powers and dubious motives. Puppets and masks help to evoke the eerie fantasy world of the play. The production is directed by Lynn Kremer, professor in the theatre department, with choreography by I Wayan Dibia, visiting fellow in Balinese music, theatre, and dance. The original songs and music are composed by Michael Gardiner, former lecturer, and Andrea Caspari, renowned shadow puppet artist, designs the puppets.

As we follow Coraline Jones into the fantasy world behind her living room door, we experience her trials and challenges as she struggles to set her world aright. Fears are conquered, obstacles are surmounted, and demons are vanquished by her courage and humanity. As Coraline tells us, “Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”

Coraline will feature an original score and will employ dancers, puppets, and masks in a highly theatrical and atmospheric production. Projections, moveable set pieces, innovative costumes, and fluid, ever-changing staging conjure Coraline’s (and Gaiman’s) dark worlds, helping to illuminate our own.

The set for Holy Cross’ production is designed by William J. Rynders, associate professor of theatre, lighting by Patrick Gavin, class of 2007, and costumes by Kurt S. Hultgren, costume designer in the theatre department.

For more information or press tickets, please contact Joe Mader in the theatre department at 508-793-3490 or jmader@holycross.edu.