From Ethel Merman to Patti LuPone, strong female performers have always held the spotlight on Broadway. But behind the scenes, it’s been a different story. In this lecture, we will explore some of the women who have broken the barriers in a predominantly male-based hierarchy of directors and choreographers, and we will examine ground-breaking musicals that present empowered female characters. Video clips will include scenes from Gypsy, Wicked, The Lion King, and The Secret Garden.

•             Agnes De Mille – first director/choreographer
•             Gypsy – strong female character
•            The Secret Garden – first all- female writing/directing team
•            The Lion King – Julie Taymor, first Tony-winning female director
•            Wicked – strong female characters, a show about women

EVENT SCHEDULE

Mixer: 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

SOH Update: 6:00 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.

Guest Speaker: 6:10 p.m. - 7:10 p.m.

This event is exclusive to current CHPT members and Save Our Opera House donors. Each member/donor may attend at no charge and can bring up to two guests per event. Beer, wine, and light appetizers will be provided. Seating is limited and RSVPs are greatly appreciated. 

About our speaker:

A member of the Actors' Equity Association, Debra Dickinson's many performing credits include Broadway and regional theaters; she appeared as Guinevere in Camelot opposite Richard Burton and Richard Harris, and Jellylorum in the German language production of Cats at Theater an der Wien in Vienna. Ms. Dickinson taught Opera Workshop and acting classes at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University for 30 years, in addition to giving lecture classes in the History of Musical Theater in the theater department and the School of Continuing Studies at Rice. She also regularly directs Opera Workshop Scenes Programs and Pop Shows at UST.

Ms. Dickinson was the assistant director of Naughty Marietta and the associate director for The Pajama Game at the New York City Opera under the auspices of Beverly Sills. She has directed and taught acting and movement for the Young Artists Programs at the Glimmerglass Festival, Brevard Opera, Berkshire Opera, and Chautauqua Opera for many summers. She has been an acting coach for the Young Artist Program for Houston Grand Opera. 

Ms. Dickinson has directed more than 25 productions for the opera department at the Shepherd School of Music. Other stage directing credits include Die Fledermaus at Florida State University, Trouble in Tahiti for the Connecticut Opera, The Tender Land at the Monteux Opera Festival, A Grand Night for Singing at the Pittsburgh Public Theater and She Loves Me and A Grand Night for Singing at Stages Theatre in Houston.