Academy begins second decade

Tom Titus

The Academy of Performing Arts, celebrating its second decade of

theatrical and musical productions, has unveiled a 2003-04 season

rich in variety, comedy and drama.

But be advised, with only one exception, each show is ticketed for

one weekend of performances only, so procrastinators may miss out.

First up, opening Oct. 23 for a single weekend, will be “The

Secret Garden,” a Tony Award-winning musical based on the classic

children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story focuses on

Mary, an orphaned girl sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy

mansion, who discovers a garden as in need of loving care as Mary

herself.

The theme shifts to wild comedy when the academy mounts the comedy

“Moon Over Buffalo,” a backstage farce about two fading repertory

theater stars in the upstate New York city in the 1950s. The plot is

filled with misunderstandings, misplaced affections and missing

persons. It opens Nov. 23 for one weekend only.

“Sounds of the Season,” the academy’s annual musical concert, is

ticketed for a one-night stand in the Huntington Beach High School

auditorium on Dec. 9. It’s an evening of instrumental music, blending

the traditional with the contemporary on a holiday theme.

The academy’s dancers get their kicks Feb. 20 and 21 with “Fusion

2004,” an annual event involving the school’s dance faculty, guest

choreographers and the academy ensemble dancers presenting an evening

of traditional and original works of ballet, jazz, tap and modern

dance.

Audiences will have the luxury of a two-weekend run in which to

catch “Damn Yankees,” opening March 12 and playing through the March

21. The time is 1955 and the New York Yankees are just as tough as

they are today, which brings the devil into play on the side of the

hapless Washington Senators and a middle-aged fan who becomes 22

again to help them out. (Could the show’s Mr. Applegate have helped

out the Angels last season?)

William Gibson’s celebrated drama “The Miracle Worker” depicts the

struggle of a young Helen Keller -- deaf, blind and mute -- and her

determined teacher, Annie Sullivan. This show plays for a single

weekend, starting April 29.

“Creative Forces,” a student choreographers’ showcase dance

concert, spotlights new dance pieces in the areas of modern, jazz,

hip-hop, neo-classical ballet and tap. It’ll be presented May 7 and 8

only.

The Classical Spring Music Concert is a one-night stand, scheduled

for May 13. This event offers orchestral music performed by large and

small ensembles and encompassing the styles of classical,

contemporary and jazz.

There’s plenty of room in the auditorium at Huntington Beach High,

but not a lot of time for each attraction. Reservations will be taken

by academy business manager Christiane Garisek at (714) 536-2514,

ext. 4025, and audience members are advised to get their ticket

requests in early.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.