2017 - 2018


Crimes Of The Heart
by Beth Henley
Oct. 3, 2017, Oct. 5, 2017 – Oct. 7, 2017 | 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 8 | 2 p.m.
Pridemore Playhouse
“Crimes of the Heart” is playwright Beth Henley’s homage to her roots. The three Magrath Sisters, trapped in their small Mississippi town, wrestle with the lies and hurts of the past as they face some super-sized troubles together. Henley’s unique blend of Southern Gothic and screwball comedy is at its finest in this 1981 Pulitzer Prize winner.

Spoon River Anthology 2017
by Edgar Lee Masters, performed by the Porterfield Ensemble
Oct. 19, 2017 – Oct. 20, 2017 | 7:30 p.m.
Pridemore Playhouse
Attend the denizens of one of literature’s most famous small towns and you’ll hear some previously unheard voices as Porterfield Ensemble puts its own slant on this American Classic about life, after it’s been lived.

Speech & Debate
By Stephan Karam
Oct. 25, 2017 – Oct. 28, 2017 | 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 29, 2017 | 2 p.m.
Hawes Studio Theatre
Stephen Karam’s dark comedy “Speech & Debate” shows three misfit teenagers forming an unlikely alliance to expose hypocrisy in their school. But what would seemingly unite them turns to a game of “what have you done for me lately?” Adolescent intrigue mixes with wackiness in the this wickedly funny play by one of today's hottest playwright Stephen Karam.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
by Kevin Henkes and adapted by Kevin Kling
Dec. 2, 2017 | 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Pridemore Playhouse
Lilly likes everything--- naps, cheesy snacks, her baby brother, well, maybe not him, she even likes school! What she likes most of all is her fabulous purple plastic purse. But when taking it to school gets her into trouble she learns an important lesson. This lively play based on Kevin Henkes’ popular book series of the wonders and woes of childhood is a sweet tale of friendship and learning consideration for others.
BEFORE and BEYOND WORDS
A School of Dance and Theatre Production
Jan. 26, 2018 – Jan. 27, 2018 | 7:30 p.m.
Albig Studio Theatre, B112 Peters Hall

This Is Our Youth
by Kenneth Lonergan
Feb. 14, 2018 – Feb. 17, 2018 | 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 18, 2018 | 2 p.m.
Hawes Studio Theatre
“This is Our Youth” is the work of playwright and Oscar winner Kenneth Lonergan (“Manchester by the Sea”). Its young characters, a disaffected group of friends in the 1980s, could be from any generation as they resist their parents’ world while growing out of their own. The New York Times called this acclaimed play an “acerbic portrait of the real real world.” This play is intended for mature audiences.

Oklahoma!
by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
April 10, 2018, April 12, 2018 – April 14, 2018 | 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 15 | 2 p.m.
Pridemore Playhouse
In spring 2018, the Great American Classic Musical “Oklahoma!” sweeps like a prairie wind across the Charles L. Hayes Stage recalling a simpler time and the indomitable frontier spirit that built a great nation. Come warm your heart and tap your boots to such hummable favorites as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and, of course, the rousing title anthem!

Making a Scene
(Projects of the Advanced Directing class)
April 25, 2018 – April 28, 2018 | 7 p.m.
Hawes Studio Theatre
Students of the Advanced Directing class present their final projects. This one act play festival is an eclectic bag of zany and thought-provoking works with something for every taste.