Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre is “Breaking Down Borders,” the theme of its 2018-2019 season, in which the department will present plays with meaning and celebrate the lack of limitations here at MSU. The season includes nine shows, with each offering its own take on the theme. The season opens Saturday, September 22, with One Good Day and ends on Wednesday, April 24, with The Bacchae.
2018-2019 Season Schedule
One Good Day
Dates: September 22 and 23, 2018
Location: Pasant Theatre, Wharton Center for Performing Arts
The fifth annual imáGen collaboration between the Department of Theatre and Wharton Center Institute for Arts and Creativity presents this feel-good show from the ‘90s that embraces hopes and celebrates romantic comedies. In the tradition of ‘90s romantic comedies, the main character, Janey Hanks, believes that all it takes is one good day to change your life forever – one day to meet someone and fall in love and one day for big, brave things to happen.
The book and lyrics are by Liz Suggs with music by Rona Siddiqui. The play is directed by TV and Broadway stage actress Kate Wetherhead with musical direction by Brad Gardner and guest stage management by Nan Luchini.
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON.
The Miller Plays
Dates: October 12-14 and 16-21, 2018
Location: Pasant Theatre, Wharton Center for Performing Arts
The Miller Plays consists of two plays, A Memory of Two Mondays and A View from the Bridge, both of which were produced by Arthur Miller and which showcase the heavy topics of immigration, bigotry, and nationalism, topics that are still relevant as ever.
Directed by Professor Rob Roznowski, there will be a director pre-show discussion on Sunday, October 14, at 1:15 p.m. and a post-show discussion on Thursday, October 18, following the performance.
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON.
Haunted Aud
Dates: October 27, 28, and 31, 2018
Location: MSU Auditorium Building
Each year, MSU theatre students have revolted audiences with hair-raising results with its Haunted Aud and this year should prove to be no different. This year’s Haunted Aud – the 10th annual – has a “CarnEvil” theme. All proceeds from this student-run and -produced performance will go toward student organizations and initiatives.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.
Men on Boats
Dates: November 9-11 and 13-18, 2018
Location: Studio 60 Theatre, MSU Auditorium Building
Men on Boats, written by Jaclyn Backhaus, tells the story of a group of 10 daring explorers, led by John Wesley Powell, that’s been sent by the U.S. government in 1869 to chart the course of the Colorado River and traverse the Grand Canyon. This comedy slyly recasts historical heroes for a lively and amusing take on gender politics.
Directed by Associate Professor Ann Folino White, there will be a director pre-show discussion on Sunday, November 11, at 1:15 p.m. and a post-show discussion on Tuesday, November 13, following the performance.
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON.
Sexual Politics Series
Dates: November 11 and 12, 2018
Location: Arena Theatre, MSU Auditorium Building
The Department of Theatre explores how theatre responds to the issues that currently define us in this series of contemporary plays. Artistic direction is by Assistant Professor Alexis Black.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.
Freshman Showcase: Yes… And…
Dates: November 29-December 2, 2018
Location: Studio 60 Theatre, MSU Auditorium Building
This evening of improvisation will introduce audience members to the Department of Theatre’s next generation as they take suggestions to create a new show every night. The 12th Annual Freshman Showcase is directed by Academic Specialist Sarah Hendrickson.
A post-show discussion will be held on Thursday, November 29, following the performance with a director pre-show discussion scheduled for Sunday, December 2, at 1:15 p.m.
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON.
Oklahoma!
Dates: February 15-17 and 19-24, 2018
Location: Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium Building
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre still being followed today. Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. Although the road to true love seldom runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love’s journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. There is no doubt that they will succeed in making a new life together in a brand-new state, providing the ultimate climax to the triumphant OKLAHOMA!
The play is directed by Assistant Professor Brad Willcuts with choreography by Academic Specialist Alisa Hauser, and musical direction by Academic Specialist David Wendelberger.
A director pre-show discussion will be held on Sunday, February 17, at 1:15 p.m. and a post-show discussion on Tuesday, February 21, following the performance.
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON.
A Wrinkle in Time
Dates: March 15-17 and 19-24, 2018
Location: Arena Theatre, MSU Auditorium Building
This theatrical version of the science fantasy novel written by Madeleine L’Engle will touch on the main theme of Breaking Down Borders as it explores the ways in which confronting evil in the universe can break down barriers.
The play is directed by Assistant Professor Ryan Welsh. A director pre-show discussion will be held on Sunday, March 17, at 1:15 p.m. with a post-show discussion on Tuesday, March 21, following the performance.
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON.
The Bacchae
Dates: April 12-21, 2018
Location: Pasant Theatre, Wharton Center for Performing Arts
For their last show of the 2018-2019 season, The Department of Theatre will present this gruesome comedy that examines irreverence as Dionysus exacts revenge on all who do not believe he is a god. This production will be infused with Kabuki theatrical techniques.
This play is directed by guest artist David Furumoto. A post-show discussion will be held on Friday, April 12, following the performance, with a designer pre-show discussion on Sunday, April 14, at 1:15 p.m.
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON.
