Give my regards to Broadway
Chelsea Zaft
On Jan. 25 the MCC Theatre Outback celebrated its 30th anniversary. The event included tours of the theater led by performers dressed in costumes from past events, displays of photos and other costumes, and performances from the Theater, Musical Theater, and Dance departments.
The various departments put on three performances, each highlighting former productions and previews of upcoming shows for this semester.
The event started at 6 p.m. allowing guests to browse the displays and take the tour that ended in the Black Box Greenroom where there were more photographs and refreshments.
Guests were also able to meet and greet members of the theater program. The performances started at 7:30 p.m. and lasted for an hour and a half.
Faculty of the art department, alumni, and other participating members of the theater program at MCC were also paid tribute.
Since opening its doors in October 1977 with the production “J.B.,” directed by Charles Evans, the Theatre Outback now averages four main stage performances a year (two musicals and two dance performances).
The theater has won a multitude of AriZoni Awards, including Overall Production eight times in the last seven years.
“MCC’s theater department gives students without any experience the chance to learn about theater with programs like Broadway Bound which gives students the chance to perform at the end of each semester,” said Marisa Estrada, theater coordinator, an alumni herself.
Jason Steffen, who has been a part of six events at Theatre Outback, looked at other school’s theater programs including ASU before deciding on MCC.
He said the choice was made largely because of the variety MCC offered and the smaller size of the classes.
The theater program at MCC not only teaches
students flexibility and comradery, but it also helps with networking, now and in the future,” according to Lyn Dutson, director of theater and film.
The Theatre Outback is also very proud of its involvement with the community. Not only are auditions open to the public, during the summers they put on a children’s workshop, and in 2004 hosted President Bush.
“Proof” by David Aubum is the first scheduled performance of the spring season and will be in the Black Box Greenroom.
Running dates are Feb. 28, 29, and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. or March 2 at 2 p.m.
