Shows Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Tent Theatre’s “Vintage Hitchcock” promises an evening of mystery and suspense

June 26, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre continues the 2025 season with its production of “Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play.”

Performances are June 27 and 28, then June 30-July 2 at the John Goodman Amphitheatre.

All show times are 8 p.m.

Ticket information

Individual, group, and season tickets are now on sale. Patrons can purchase by mail, calling the box office at 417-836-7678 or 1-888-476-7849 or online at MissouriStateTix.com.

On show days, Tent Theatre patrons can pick up their tickets at the will-call kiosk next to the Amphitheatre between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Food and drink concessions will be available. Patrons can access restrooms in Hill Hall, just north of Craig Hall.

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Early Hitchcock films brought to the stage

Directed by Betsy Kruse Craig, “Vintage Hitchcock” adapts three of film director Alfred Hitchcock’s earliest films – “The Lodger,” “Sabotage” and “The 39 Steps” – into radio format.

Known as the “master of suspense,” Hitchcock used innovative techniques in his films. Camera angles and framing, along with ominous music, create a sense of escalating danger and the surreal.

In “Vintage Hitchcock,” the stories are presented as they might have been in the 1940s. Five actors play dozens of characters, with live sound effects and atmospheric music keeping audiences spellbound. Vintage commercials woven into the performance add to the fun of this unique production.

Tent Theatre opens 2025 season with “Serenade”

June 6, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre opens the 2025 season with its production of “Serenade: Summer Nights of Swing and Song.”

Performances are June 12-14 and 18-21 at the John Goodman Amphitheatre. All show times are 8 p.m.

Professor Sarah Wiggin from the Department of Theatre and Dance is the show’s director.

Ticket information

Individual, group and season tickets are now on sale. They can be purchased by mail, calling the box office at 417-836-7678 or 1-888-476-7849 or online at MissouriStateTix.com.

On show days, Tent Theatre patrons can pick up their tickets at the will-call kiosk next to the Amphitheatre between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Food and drink concessions will be available, and patrons will have access to restrooms in Hill Hall, just north of Craig Hall.

Get Tickets

“Las Vegas flair” brings timeless tunes to life

Multiple vocalists, backed by Missouri State’s “Serenade” Jazz Orchestra, will bring to life classic tunes immortalized by Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald, along with contemporary hits from Natalie Cole, Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr. and others.

“I am loving working with the ‘Serenade’ jazz orchestra,” Wiggin said. “They are really elevating the performance of the jazz concert, and the vocalists are very enthusiastic about collaborating with them. It’s magical.”

Conducted and directed by Dr. Jason Hausback of the Department of Music, the jazz orchestra includes Missouri State students, alumni and guest artists. Heather Luellen of the theatre and dance department is the show’s music coordinator.

Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Blue Stockings” April 3-6

March 31, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance continues the 2024-2025 season with its production of “Blue Stockings.”

Professor Sarah Wiggin directs the turn-of-the-century period piece, written by Jessica Swale.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. April 3-5 and April 6 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.

All performances will be held in Coger Theatre Craig Hall.

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Play explores historical moments

Set in 1896 England at Cambridge University’s Girton College, “Blue Stockings” is the story of four female students. Cambridge was a pioneer in offering university-level education to women.

In 1896, though, while women could be educated, they could not earn a degree. The play’s young heroines hope to change that.

Consequently, “Blue Stockings” explores a powerful moment in the history of women’s education. As the woman suffrage movement takes place in the background, the women struggle to gain acceptance among their male peers while confronting their own insecurities.

“The play emphasizes the value of education and encourages audiences to think critically about societal structures and injustices,” Wiggin said. “It challenges audiences to reflect on the progress made in women’s rights while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done.”

Tackles themes with humor

With humor and authenticity, the play addresses themes such as equality, education and fighting for one’s beliefs. “I hope the audience will be pleasantly surprised by the comedy in a play tackling such serious subject matter,” Wiggin said.

Meanwhile, although the stage setting is minimalist, “the costumes are period (1896) and should be quite stunning,” she added. “The cast is doing excellent work, and I am very excited to see all the elements come together.”

Reflecting shared dreams

Wiggin believes audiences will find the themes in “Blue Stockings” to be relevant and universal.

“Despite being set in the past, the play raises issues that resonate with contemporary struggles for gender equality and access to education,” she said.

“I expect the audience will see that the kinds of dreams the characters have are shared by them: love, education, a place to belong.”

“Rent” opens Spring 2025 Theatre and Dance production schedule

January 23, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance continues its 2024-25 “Connection” series with the production of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.”

Evening showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22, 24 and Feb. 26-March 1. Matinee showtimes are 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 2.

Directed by Dr. Kurt Heinlein, all performances will be held in the Craig Hall Balcony Theatre.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.

A special group rate is available for 10 or more. Call 417-836-7678 for details.

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Theatre and Dance presents “White Christmas” Nov. 14-22

November 8, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance gets festive for the holidays with its stage production of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.”

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14-16 and 20-22, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance Nov. 17.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.

All performances take place in Craig Hall Coger Theatre.

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Discounts on tickets with “Toys for Tots” donation

Additionally, audience members can celebrate the season by donating to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program, according to Mark Templeton, theatre and dance managing director.

“Receiving boxes have been placed adjacent to the Craig Hall box office,” Templeton said. “Anyone who donates a toy will be eligible for a $10 discount on an adult/senior/student ticket. One discount per toy received.”