Musical Theatre Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Missouri State’s Josh Young and Haley Ciaramella to appear in Hudson Valley Shakespeare production of “Les Misérables”

April 30, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Musical Theatre Coordinator Josh Young, associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, has been selected to play Jean Valjean in the Hudson Valley Shakespeare production of “Les Misérables.”

Joining Young is freshman musical theatre major Haley Rose Ciaramella, who has been cast in the role of Éponine.

The production runs Aug. 12-Sept. 27, 2026. Hudson Valley Shakespeare (HVS) is located in Garrison, New York.

The role of a lifetime

Josh Young 2026 headshot. Photo credit: Nicki Bhem.

The HVS opportunity is not the first time Young has appeared in a production of Les Mis. It is, however, his first time playing Jean Valjean, his favorite role since childhood.

“’Les Misérables’ has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Young recalled. “Growing up, it was the soundtrack of my childhood. My mother played it constantly.”

Young said the role feels aligned with his voice and his instincts as an actor.

“It sits in a place that plays to my strengths vocally and dramatically,” he explained. “When I look at the roles I’ve been drawn to throughout my career, they are all characters operating at the highest possible stakes, and Valjean is no exception.”

Now, as a father, Young said the role resonates even more.

“Valjean’s relationship with Cosette, his drive to protect her and the responsibility he carries in the midst of chaos all feel very personal,” Young noted. “That combination of scale and intimacy is what makes the role so meaningful to me.”

“Broadway Giants” celebrates musical theatre legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim

February 27, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will present “Broadway Giants: Lloyd Webber and Sondheim” at 7:30 p.m. March 7, 2026, in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

“Broadway Giants” honors the musical legacies of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim. Associate Professor and Musical Theatre Coordinator Josh Young is the show’s co-producer, writer and director.

Young built “Broadway Giants” around three Sondheim compositions and six Lloyd Webber compositions. He then included songs from people who influenced Sondheim and Lloyd Webber as well as the new generation of composers they have since influenced. The narrative throughout “Broadway Giants” provides historical context while telling the story of Sondheim and Lloyd Webber, their work and their far-reaching influence.

“I’m excited for the community to see the show,” Young said. “I think people will be shocked at the level of talent that we have this year. I think we have some of the most talented students in the country, and I would love for the community at large to know that.”

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Theatre and dance presents “Spring Awakening” Nov. 13-17

November 4, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Spring Awakening: A New Musical” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 17, with matinee performances at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 15-16. All performances are in the Credo Arts Center.

Assistant Professor Dr. Julia Moriarty directs the play.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors. MSU students can receive special advance purchase discounts with an MSU ID.

Parking is available at the University Heights Baptist Church. Patrons can park on the east side of the church, which is close to the Credo facility.

MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. “Spring Awakening” contains intense subject matter. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

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2025 Fall Dance Concert truly “Immersive”

October 27, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents a unique take on the dance experience with its 2025 Fall Dance Concert.

The production will be performed entirely outdoors.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6-8, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9, all at the John Goodman Amphitheatre.

Associate Professor of Dance Azaria Hogans coordinated this year’s concert, which is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

Outdoor performances immerse audience in dance

For this year’s concert, Hogans adopted an unusual format.

“This year’s concert is very unique,” she said. “Many of the dances will be site specific, and we will tour the audience to a couple of nearby locations to view some of the dances. We will also have a couple of dance films projected. The audience will be truly immersed in this concert.”

Each performance of “Immersion” will start at the John Goodman Amphitheatre (JGA). From there, it will continue to various areas around JGA. Nearly 40 students will perform in the concert.

Warm clothes, comfortable shoes and hot chocolate

Hogans said the “Immersion” concept blends well with the season’s “Awakening” theme because dance itself is an awakening experience.

“The body is powerful in awakening oneself to inner thoughts as well as being able to experience the stories of others: awakening empathy, new ways of thinking and reflection,” Hogans explained.

To counter any potential cool weather, Hogans said patrons should wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes. The Mo State Dance Co, a student organization, will also be on hand selling hot chocolate as a fundraiser “and to keep everyone cozy,” she added. Another student organization, Maroon Dynasty, will also be selling glow sticks and hand warmers.

Theatre and Dance alum Claire Marshall now starring in “Chicago”

October 24, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University theatre and dance alumna Claire Marshall has landed a starring role in the 2025-26 national tour of “Chicago.”

Marshall, who graduated with a BFA in musical theatre in 2024, plays Velma Kelly.

“I’ve always wanted to be in ‘Chicago,’” she said. “Truthfully, I did not think the opportunity would come this soon in my life.”

Marshall auditioned for the role while still touring with “The Cher Show,” which ran in 2024-25. For the “Chicago” audition, Marshall first sent in a self-filmed tape and then completed a second audition in person when she moved to New York City.

The “Chicago” tour opened Oct. 22 at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington. The hit musical, set in 1920s Chicago, tells the story of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who murders her lover when he threatens to leave her. Hart and her cellmate, Velma Kelly, try to avoid conviction by hiring a slick criminal lawyer.

See Claire Marshall in “Chicago”

Glamourous role built on hard work

Behind all the glamour of show business is a lot of hard work. “Chicago” is a physically demanding show, Marshall said, and rehearsals were especially grueling.

“The rehearsal process is, in my opinion, one of the hardest portions of a long contract,” she said. “We are working more than we ever do on show days, plus learning a large amount of material in two weeks is daunting.”

Marshall added that during these times “it’s imperative to listen to your body.” Plenty of rest, hydration and good nutrition are essential.