University Theatre Sept. 18, 1997 Contact Karen Scheeland (541) 346-4190 or John R. Crosiar 346-3135 EUGENE--By popular demand, the University of Oregon production of "Ever the Dragon," an original Chinese Opera-style fairy tale, will return for a limited run this fall on campus. The University Theatre company, fresh from a nearly 1,500-mile state tour during September, will stage the revival on Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 2-4, in Robinson Theatre at Villard Hall, 1109 Old Campus Lane. Curtain time is 8 p.m. nightly, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Oct. 4. For this production only, children under 15 years old will receive a special ticket price of $4.50, the same price for UO students. Admission is $9 for the general public and $7 for senior citizens, UO faculty and staff, and non-UO students. "Ever the Dragon" was conceived and directed by UT professor Jerry Williams using Chinese opera theater techniques. Springfield playwright Dorothy Velasco wrote the script. The production features original music written in the southern Chinese lyric folk style by Eugene composer Don Kelley. Choreographer is Toni Pimble, the Eugene Ballet's artistic director. The play is based on several ancient Chinese fairy tales, but with a decidedly modern twist. In the play Jerry, a dissatisfied college student, is confused about his Chinese-Cuban-American heritage. When he gets into trouble at school, the dean of students, who happens to be Chinese, sends him on a journey. In his quest, he is swept back through time into an ancient China filled with dragons, female warriors and a wise sage who holds the answers to all questions. There, in order to survive, Jerry must discover his personal values and achieve self-respect through a series of difficult but thrilling lessons. This exuberant and vibrant production is filled with the athleticism of Kung Fu martial arts performed in spectacular costumes before Chinese painted scenery representing a mystical land. It features stunning stage effects, including a silk tidal wave, a parade of Chinese lantern creatures and a dragon that flies over the audience. During its September tour, the "Ever the Dragon" company performed for students from dozens of schools in nine communities across the state through the generosity of Herbert G. Kariel, a retired professor and UO alumnus, and support from several University Theatre patrons. For tickets and more information, call the University Theatre box office, (541) 346-4191, which will open at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Box office hours for this production are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon-8:15 p.m. on the Saturday of performance. The Robinson Theatre is fully accessible for wheelchairs and also has a hearing assistance system for patrons. Free parking is available nearby in the lot at East 11th Avenue and Kincaid Street. A taped message about current University Theatre productions and activities is available 24 hours a day by calling GuardLine from a Touch-Tone phone at 485-2000, ext. 2287. -30- #P-2031/A&E