OBERLIN – In this economy when people are pinching pennies, Oberlin College President Marvin Krislov helped resurrect a tradition of providing free summer theater to the community.

Two classic plays will be presented thanks to Oberlin Summer Theater Festival (OSTF), a professional nonprofit theater company led by artistic director Paul Moser.

“This is a lot of fun and a gift to the community because it is free,” Moser said.

Tennessee Williams` “The Glass Menagerie” opens June 26, and William Shakespeare`s “The Tempest” opens July 3.

There`s a twist to “The Glass Menagerie” because the children, Tom and Laura, are bi-racial.

Tom will be played by one of Oberlin`s stars, Justin Emeka, who directed and played the never-do-well Biff in last fall`s presentation of Arthur Miller`s “Death of a Salesman” starring Avery Brooks as Willy Loman.

“The Tempest” will star actor Matthew Wright as Prospero, and there will be magical moments, puppets, athleticism, and lots of physical comedy, Moser said.

Performances will take place Tuesdays through Sundays, June 26 through July 18 at Hall Auditorium on North Main Street between Allen Memorial Art Museum and Oberlin Inn.

To accommodate families, the curtain will rise at 7 p.m. for evening performances, except on Friday, when the plays will begin at 9 p.m. to allow people to also attend the evening band concerts in Tappan Square.

Think Oberlin College, and you often think cutting edge, but Moser said the summer theater programs are specifically designed for families.

“Part of the commitment is everything we do will be family-friendly and people will be comfortable, but it has substance to it,” Moser said.

The festival`s acting company will consist of a combination of local equity actors, Oberlin alumni from around the country and current Oberlin students.

A number of well-seasoned older actors from New York also will take part, said Moser, associate professor of theater and chair of Oberlin`s theater and dance program.

The annual event also will enhance the downtown art and business community, according to Greg Tisher, director of Main Street Oberlin Inc.

“The Oberlin Summer Theater Festival is an excellent addition to summer in downtown Oberlin,” Tisher said.

He said it is a great complement to other free, family-friendly summertime entertainment, such as the Family Fun Fair and the Summer Concert Series on Tappan Square.

Send your Wellington and Oberlin news to Cindy Leise, 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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