Valpo Theatre Department Announces 2016–2017 Season

The theatre department at Valparaiso University will present seven productions during the 2016–2017 season, including comedies, classics and musicals. Students from across campus will prepare and work alongside the department’s faculty through acting, dance, design, directing, production, technology and writing.

Performances include:

“Mr. Burns,” Oct. 7 and 14 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 2 p.m., University Theatre, Center for the Arts. Assistant Professor of English George Potter will direct “Mr. Burns” by Anne Washburn. The dark comedy, set in the next century after the collapse of civilization, is an animated exploration of how the pop culture of one era might evolve into the mythology of another.
“The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!),” Nov. 4 and 11 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 2 p.m., Studio Theatre, Center for the Arts. Andrew White, professor of theatre, directs this satire of musical theatre, which mimics various forms from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim.
“The Directing Showcase,” Dec. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre, Center for the Arts. Senior theatre majors will direct a series of one-act plays as part of their capstone coursework.
“Romeo and Juliet,” performed by Actors From The London Stage, Feb. 16, 17 and 18, 2017, University Theatre, Center for the Arts. Presented by Christ College — The Honors College, Actors From The London Stage will return for the fourth annual Shakespeare Week. The group will be in residence at Valparaiso University Feb. 13–19, 2017. Ticket information and additional events will be announced later this fall at valpo.edu/theatre.
“Dance Ensemble,” Feb. 9 and 10, 2017 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 11 and 12, 2017 at 2 p.m., University Theatre, Center for the Arts. Ann Kessler, professor of theatre, and visiting theatre instructor Salena Elish will direct faculty and student choreographers and performers from across campus to present a variety of dance styles with creative and original costume design, lighting and music.
“The Bacchae,” April 6 and 7, 2017 at 8 p.m. and April 8 and 9, 2017 at 2 p.m., University Theatre, Center for the Arts. Professor of Theatre R. Andrew White directs one of Euripides’ most poetically beautiful and thematically difficult plays, “The Bacchae.” The tragedy argues for moderation and has been alternately interpreted as an approval of the Dionysian cult of nature worship and as a condemnation of religious excess.
“Sylvia,” April 28, 2017 at 8 p.m. and April 29 and 30, 2017 at 2 p.m., Studio Theatre, Center for the Arts. This student-directed production is a modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog. A street-smart mixture of lab and poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife.

With the exception of Shakespeare Week events, tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for senior citizens and non-Valpo students; and free for students, faculty and staff.

Visit valpo.edu/theatre for more information.