The theatre and dance department at Missouri State University begins the 2023-24 theatre season on Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. with “Shakespeare in Love.”
The department is buzzing with excitement and preparation in a new venue.
“This is our first show of our season and the first academic show in the John Goodman Amphitheatre,” Theatre and Dance Managing Director Mark Templeton said.
About the play
“Shakespeare in Love” is a speculative comedy about an ill-fated affair that inspires the creation of Shakespeare’s great romantic tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.”
The production is a stage adaptation of the Academy Award winning film by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard.
“This delightful and clever play is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s creative process and a love letter to theatre,” Theatre Professor and Play Director Sarah Wiggin explained.
This play has many moving parts
“There is romance, stage violence, music, a play-within-the-play (“Romeo and Juliet”) and even a dog shows up,” Wiggin said.
“I bite a guy at one point,” Will Mahler, MSU theatre and dance student, added.
Mahler plays multiple roles in the play: actor, guard, waiter, barman, musician, heavy and Abraham. In addition, he understudies Frees, Valentine, The Boatman, Robin, Adam, Wabash and Peter.
“Rehearsals have been hectic, but entertaining. I know it’ll be a lot of fun to watch because it’s been a lot of fun to be part of,” Mahler said. “My only hope is that the audience takes home a smile.”
Experience the pleasure of a good play
The show runs Sept. 28 – Oct. 1. Seating will be general admission. Anyone who wants a premium seat should arrive no later than 7:30 p.m.
“There are plenty of tickets available for this production, with very open seating for the closing Sunday performance,” Templeton noted. “We’re looking forward to what appears to be a perfect weather weekend to watch theatre outdoors.”
Wiggin is also looking forward to full houses, fun evenings and beautiful weather.
“The students involved have had a wonderful time creating this world and meeting the steady stream of challenges with enthusiasm and dedication,” she added.
“My favorite quote from the play sums up our experience perfectly:
“‘Allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster. Strangely enough it all turns out well. It’s a mystery.’
“It is a mystery indeed!”
Get your tickets to “Shakespeare in Love” today.
Check out upcoming shows this season
Photos by Arden Dickson, Missouri State University.
News submitted by Lauren Hulsebus, Theatre and Dance Marketing Assistant. Edited by Reynolds College Communications Team.
Damilola is a graduate assistant for the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. She is working towards her master’s degree in creative writing at Missouri State University.