Theatre and Dance 2017-2018 Performances and Events

Nine

Music and Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Book by Arthur Kopit
Based on Federico Fellini's film 81/2
Directed by Stephen Hancock
Music direction by Jason Eschhofen
Oct 5-7 and 12-14, 2017

Nine is the story of a celebrated film director Guido Contini and his attempts to come up with a plot for his next film as he is pursued by hordes of beautiful women, all clamoring to be loved by him and him alone. Flashbacks reveal the substance of his life – which will become the material for his next film: a musical version of the Casanova story.

She Kills Monsters

By Qui Nguyen
Directed by Taylor St. John
October 21-24, 2017

A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly's Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly's refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

[title of show]

Music and Lyrics by Jeff Bowen
Book by Hunter Bell
Directed by Justin Braun
Music direction by Tracy Thomas
October 21-24, 2017

A musical that chronicles its own creation as an entry in the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and follows the struggles of the author and composer/lyricist and their two actress friends during the initial brief (three-week) creative period, along with subsequent events leading up to the show's production.

The Secret in the Wings

By Mary Zimmerman
Directed by John Yorke
November 9-11 and 16-18, 2017
2:00pm matinee on Saturday the 18th

Mary Zimmerman's The Secret in the Wings adapts a group of lesser-known fairy tales to create a theatrical work that sets their dark mystery against her signature wit and humor. The framing story concerns a child and the frightening babysitter with whom her parents leave her. As the babysitter reads from a book, the characters in each of the tales materialize, with each tale breaking off just at its bleakest moment before giving way to the next one.

Momentum

Faculty Dance Concert
December 1-2, 2017

Returning to the Mainstage, this dance concert features the new work of faculty, alumni and guest choreographers.

The Wild Party

Book, Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Directed by Mark Schnitzler
Music direction by Jacob Allen
February 15-17 and 22-24, 2018

Decadence and excess are the life of the party in this jazzy, 1920's whodunnit. Based on Joseph Moncure March's 1928 narrative poem of the same name, this darkly brilliant show features one of the most exciting, pulse-racing scores ever written.Lovers Queenie and Burrs decide to throw the party to end all parties in their Manhattan apartment. After the colorful arrival of a slew of guests living life on the edge, Queenie's wandering eyes land on a striking man named Black. As the decadence is reaching a climax, so is Burrs' jealousy which erupts and sends him into a violent rage. Gun in hand and inhibitions abandoned Burrs turns on Queenie and Black. The gun gets fired, but who's been shot?

New Voices

Student Dance Concert
April 5-7, 2018 (CFA Room 124)

The Servant of Two Masters

By Carlo Goldoni
Directed by Danica Horton
April 12-14 and 19-21, 2018

A timeless 18th century Italian comic masterpiece by Carlo Goldoni about a servant so hungry he takes on two jobs to survive. Through physical comedy and masks The Servant of Two Masters tells the story of the servant Truffaldino, who wreaks havoc when he attends to two different masters at the same time. With the electric energy and extreme farce that only commedia can supply, Truffaldino pushes the limits to appease his masters and his growling stomach, falling in love all the while. A tale of love lost, found and mistaken!