The Winona State University Department of Theatre and Dance along with the Department of Music will present the musical comedy Dames at Sea at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, through Saturday, Oct. 20, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, on the mainstage of the Performing Arts Center.

Dames at Sea is a light parody of the 1930’s Hollywood Busby Berkeley musicals, with book and lyrics written by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller and music by Jim Wise. The musical pokes fun at the stereotypical story of the young chorus member who arrives from the Midwest and becomes an overnight “star” against impossible odds.

Musical numbers include “Wall Street,” “Dames at Sea” and “Good Times Are Here To Stay.”

The musical is directed by Jim Williams, with musical direction by Harry Mechell and choreography by Christine Martin.

Dames at Sea premiered Off-Broadway in 1968 featuring then-unknown actress Bernadette Peters. Ironically – in a life imitating art scenario – Peters stepped into the lead role when the original actress had to leave the production. Peters went on to star in films like The Jerk, Pennies From Heaven and Broadway shows like Gypsy and Into the Woods.

Tickets are $8 for students with ID and children 12 and under, $15 for the general public. They can be purchased online at www.winona.edu/arts/tickets or by calling the PAC Box Office at 507-457-5235. This musical is family friendly.

For more information, email Jim Williams.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is a member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).