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Notre Dame College Performing Arts Programs in collaboration with Mercury Theatre Company present “Amélie,” based on the five-time Oscar®-nominated French film turned Broadway musical.

The staged production, which runs from July 16 to August 8, features the College’s president, J. Michael Pressimone, Ed.D., as Raymond Dufayel, a reclusive neighbor who lives in the lead character Amélie’s building.

Performances are Friday, July 16, through Sunday, July 18; Thursday, July 22, through Sunday, July 25; Friday, July 30, and Saturday, July 31; and Thursday, August 5, through Sunday, August 8. Shows are scheduled for Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., all in Regina Auditorium on the College campus.

Pressimone graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in addition to his Master of Arts in Leadership in Higher Education from Regis University in Denver, Colo., and a doctorate in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill.

A baritone, who also plays guitar, Pressimone previously has performed for faculty, staff and students at campus activities.

“Amélie” is directed by Pierre-Jacques Brault, Notre Dame theatre director and Mercury Theatre Company’s artistic director. Brault intended to bring a production of the musical to Notre Dame in 2020. Performances were delayed due to COVID. Seating in the Auditorium for shows this summer still will be limited to every other row.

“For me, this musical couldn’t come at a better time because, coming off the pandemic, many of us feel stuck and lost in our connection with friends and family because we’ve been so isolated. And this musical really forces us to look at life to reconnect with kindness,” Brault said.

“Amélie” is based on the book by Craig Lucas, with music by Daniel Messe´ and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messe´. The story is about an imaginative dreamer who covertly performs random acts of kindness for those in her life. When she falls in love, she realizes she will have to take a risk and share what is in her heart to find happiness.

Tickets are available online and at the door: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 60 years and older and $16 for students 25 and younger with a valid ID.

July 2021

About Notre Dame College

Notre Dame College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college in South Euclid, Ohio committed to teaching students how to make a good living and live a good life. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master’s degrees, certification programs, and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. For more information, visit NotreDameCollege.edu.