SU Drama closes season with ‘My One and Only’

SU Drama closes season with ‘My One and Only’April 19, 2007SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

The SU Drama Department will close its 2006-07 season with “My One and Only,” a feel-good musical with a Gershwin score that follows a Texas aviator and a swimmer-turned-showgirl who fall in love despite the wishes of their colleagues. Drama faculty member David Wanstreet directs the play, which runs April 27-May 12 in the Arthur Storch Theatre, located at the Department of Drama/Syracuse Stage complex, 820 E. Genesee St.

“The book is quite charming and clever,” says Wanstreet. “It’s a classic musical comedy, boy-meets-girl story, laced with poignancy and humor.”

With heart-stopping songs, a fast-paced script and a whole lot of dancing, “My One and Only” brings to life a wide range of songs from George and Ira Gershwin. The show premiered at the St. James Theatre on Broadway in 1983, starring Twiggy and Tommy Tune, and ran for 767 performances. It won numerous honors, including three Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards.

Set in 1927, “My One and Only” is the story of Captain Billy Buck Chandler, a Texas pilot with big dreams to be the first man to fly directly from New York to Paris, and Edythe Herbert, a former English Channel swimmer-turned-actress.

When Billy (portrayed by senior Joe Grandy) first lays eyes on Edythe (senior Jen Palleria) at a train station, his mission is forgotten as his heart takes flight. As Billy’s plane mechanic, Mickey (senior Erin McDowell), and Edythe’s boss, Prince Nikki (senior Parker Drown), try to keep the two apart, and Edythe and Billy do all they can to be together, it’s all aboard for a high-flying adventure to living happily ever after.

Scenic design for “My One and Only” is by drama faculty member Alex Koziara with assistance from sophomore Alok Wadhwani and junior Elizabeth Hurowitz. Costume design is by drama faculty member Meggan Kulczynski with assistance from juniors Adam Adelman and Megan Moriarty. Sound design is by drama alumna Erin M. Ballantine ’01. Lighting design is by senior Matt Pelmear with assistance from sophomore Michael Nardulli. Stage manager is junior Laura Jane Collins, with assistance by first-year student Sarah Riedner and sophomore Dimitre Guenov.

Tickets for the SU Drama production of “My One and Only” are $16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors. May 2 is “Pay What You Can Night” and is valid for SU I.D. holders. For tickets and more information, contact the SU Drama Box Office at (315) 443-3275 or visit http://vpa.syr.edu/drama.