Summer Circle Theatre Announces Its 57th Season

Summer Circle Theatre outside kresge art center

Summer Circle Theatre returns this June for its 57th season and will take you on a journey across the United States (with a detour to Neverland). So, pack your bags and explore the entire country without leaving East Lansing.

This year’s Summer Circle Theatre schedule includes:

See Rock City & Other Destinations
June 7-10 at 8 p.m.
(Ages 11 and up)

  • Book by Brad Alexander
  • Music and Lyrics by Adam Mathias
  • Directed by Brad Willcuts
  • Musical Direction by Dave Matthew Wendelberger

A collection of small musicals of varying styles set at tourist destinations across America, this musical explores missed connections and new possibilities and includes a vivid travelogue with a rich score.

Peter / Wendy
June 14-17 at 8 p.m.
(All ages welcome)

  • By Jeremy Bloom
  • Directed by Deric McNish

An adventurous and theatrical retelling of the familiar story of Peter Pan, this inventive adaptation is a lyrical adventure as Peter, Wendy, Tinker Bell and the rest of the well-known characters follow the second star to the right to travel to Neverland.

Bike America
June 21-24 at 8 p.m.
(Contains profanity and adult situations. Mature audiences only.)

  • By Mike Lews
  • Directed by Mark Colson

A cross-country bike trip from Boston to California is the perfect time for Penny to get her life under control. Along the way, her fellow bikers and the people she meets offer her a chance to gain clarity and direction, something Penny desperately needs.

Summer Circle Kids Show:
The Amazing America Road Trip
June 9-10 and 16-17 at 6:30 p.m.
(All ages welcome)

  • Written and directed by Rob Roznowski

A family decides they need to take a driving vacation across America after a particularly challenging presidential election. Along the way, they meet a collection of colorful characters that restore their faith in the country. This surprisingly patriotic yet non-partisan comedy showcases the best of the American spirit. 

Summer Circle Late Night:
Bob: A Life in Five Acts
June 16-17 and 23-24 at 10 p.m.
(Mature audiences only)

  • By Peter Sinn Nachtrieb
  • Directed by Matt Greenbaum

Join Bob on his quest to be “a Great man” as he travels across America. His journey for the pursuit of happiness reveals a fractured and warped American Dream in this dark comedy.

Summer Circle Theatre Kids Camp
June 19-23 from 1-5 p.m.

The popular Summer Circle Kids Camp will return for a third year June 19-23 from 1-5 p.m. Taught by MSU Department of Theatre faculty and students, the camp will include instruction in acting, design, music and dance and will culminate in a free public performance on Friday, June 23.

This free summer kids camp will be offered to the first 60 mid-Michigan students from 1st through 6th grade who register. Once we have reached our limit, we cannot accept other students. Sign up for the camp will begin in mid-March. The sign-up will be posted on the Summer Circle Theatre web page.

As always, we depend on donations to make great programs like this happen, so please consider donating to the Summer Circle Theatre Kids Camp.

Daily Kids Camp Schedule June 19-23:

  • 1-1:15 p.m. – Student drop off and check-in at the Auditorium Building entrance at Farm Lane and Auditorium Road
  • 1:15-2 p.m. – Session I (Design, Acting, or Music and Dance sessions)
  • 2-2:45 p.m. – Session II (Design, Acting, or Music and Dance sessions)
  • 2:45-3p.m. – Snack break (Student must provide her/his own snack)
  • 3-3:45 p.m. – Session III (Design, Acting, or Music and Dance sessions)
  • 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Rehearsal in Summer Circle Courtyard
  • 4:45-5 p.m. – Student pick up at the Auditorium Building entrance at Farm Lane and Auditorium Road (except June 23)

Extended Schedule for June 23

  • 5-6 p.m. – Dinner provided by Summer Circle Theatre Kids Camp
  • 6-6:30 p.m. – Parents meet and greet in Summer Circle Courtyard
  •  6:30-7 p.m. – Summer Circle Theatre Kids Camp Show

Written by Dave Wendelberger