Welcome back bears, T&D and all! It’s officially the start of a new semester and so much more. Spring 2020 marks the beginning of a whole new decade, one we’re positive will be filled with artistic discovery and creativity.
Let’s take a look at the exciting work being done throughout the department!
This semester’s opening production goes MO State Dance Co.’s kick-off fundraiser “Sugar Rush.” It will be held at Martha’s Vineyard January 30th from 7pm-1:30am. The show costs $7 and is only for audiences 18+.
Next, we have a staged reading at the Credo Arts Center of Mina Samuels’ new play “Because I Am Your Queen.” Featuring an all female-identifying cast, the reading is directed by students Roland Netzer and Hailey Panek and will premiere February 1st.
First on the list for the department’s mainstage productions is “Picnic.” Set in a small, Kansas town in the 1950’s, this play by William Inge tells the story of friends and family getting ready for a celebratory annual picnic, but what will happen when an attractive old friend blows into town and accidentally stirs up romantic trouble? Directed by returning faculty member Lisa Brescia, “Picnic” will run February 20th – March 3rd in the Balcony Theatre with evening and matinee performances.
Coming up this season for student-run organization, Tabula Rasa x UCYA, is the classic play “Miss Julie” and the comedic musical “The Trail to Oregon!,” directed by Chloe Jewell and Cameron Perry, respectively. “Miss Julie” will run March 6th and 7th, and “The Trail to Oregon!” will run April 17th – 19th. Auditions are Sunday, January 26th.
As part of the T&D Department’s Studio Series, David Struckman has been chosen to bring to life his vision of “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.” It will run March 9th and 10th with auditions Wednesday, January 29th and Thursday, January 30th.
This semester’s mainstage musical is “The Secret Garden,” directed by faculty member and member of the original Broadway cast Robert Westenberg. Based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Francis Hodgson Burnett, this story set in the early 20th century follows young newly orphaned Mary Lennox as she is moved from India to England to live with relatives she has never met. The fun begins when her and her newly-befriended gardener uncover a neglected and hidden garden waiting to be discovered. “The Secret Garden” will hit Coger Theatre April 2nd – 4th at 7:30pm and April 5th at 2:30pm.
The final mainstage of the semester will be the Spring Dance Concert 20/20 coordinated by Ruth Barnes in Coger Theatre. It runs April 30th-May 2nd at 7:30pm and May 3rd at 2:30pm and will feature a variety of different dance styles and artistry, including, but not limited to, contemporary and jazz.
All this amazing work, and it’s only just the beginning! There will be one-acts from the Directing II class, more dance fundraisers, and the senior B.F.A. students’ L.A. and N.Y. showcases. This will be an exciting semester to say the least, so stay tuned for everything Theatre and Dance.