The SUU Theatre and Dance Department has announced its lineup of drama and choreography for the 2015-16 school year, with a diverse array of performances that should offer something for everyone.
A Shakespearean classic marks the end of the Adams Memorial Theatre as a performance space. An innovative production of “Hamlet” directed by Peter Sham opens on Friday, Oct. 2, and runs Oct. 5 and Oct. 8-10 with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.
October will also see the southern Utah premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Next to Normal.” Directed by Joshua Durfey, this provocative work centers on a woman’s dependency on antidepressants, which puts her family in crisis. The searing dramatic musical runs Oct. 28-31 and Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 31. All performances are in SUU’s Auditorium Theatre. The play involves adult content and language.
“Toyland, The Holiday Family Musical Treat,” created and directed by Peter Sham, comes alive onstage at the Randall L. Jones Theatre Dec. 3-5, Dec. 7, and Dec. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 5 and 12.
The new year brings laughter with George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, “You Can’t Take It With You.” Directed by Richard Bugg, the fun-filled classic about an eccentric family will be performed at the Randall L. Jones Theatre Feb. 3-6 and Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.
The Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical, “Rent,” comes to SUU in April. The late Jonathan Larson’s contemporary spin on “La Boheme” focuses on a group of fledging artists struggling to survive on New York’s lower East Side in the 1980s. Directed by Melinda Pfundstein Vaughn, this acclaimed work will be performed in the Randall L. Jones Theatre April 13-16, and April 18 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 16. The musical involves adult content and language.
“We’ve Got Rhythm: An Original Student-Choreographed Dance Concert” takes center stage at the Auditorium Theatre on Nov. 11-14 and Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Nov. 14.
“Elevated Movements: An Original Faculty-Choreographed Dance Concert” is choreographed by SUU Dance Dept. faculty and will be performed by students on Feb. 24-27 and Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 27. “Elevated Movements” includes a re-staging of a signature work by Burch Mann from the American Folk Ballet repertoire. This concert is performed at the Randall L. Jones Theatre.
Single ticket prices for most performances are $10 and $5 for students and children. Tickets to “Next to Normal,” “Toyland,” and “Rent” are $15 and $7 for students and children. There is an alumni discount with card which will offer tickets for $8 and $12 for “Next to Normal,” “Toyland,” and “Rent” but are available only through SUU’s Centrum Ticket Office or at the door prior to the performance. SUU faculty, staff, and students are admitted free to all theatre, dance, and music performances with a valid photo I.D. at entry. Faculty and staff are entitled to bring one guest with them. All concerts qualify for the Flex Pass program. Six admissions can be purchased for $40. The Flex Pass can be used in any variation from a single entrance to one event to using all six entrances for one event. All seats are general admission. There is no reserve seating.
