Valpo Theatre Department Announces 2018–2019 Season

Valparaiso University’s theatre department will present seven different productions during the 2018–2019 season. These include plays, classics, and musicals. Talented students from across campus will prepare and work alongside the department’s faculty through acting, dance, design, directing, production, technology, and writing.

Performances include:

“The Dream of the Burning Boy,” Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 29–30 and Oct. 6–7 at 2 p.m., Studio Theatre, Center for the Arts. R. Andrew White, professor of theatre, directs this searing yet surprisingly comedic play by David West Read about the strength to move on and the courage to live without regret.
“Lady Windermere’s Fan,” Nov. 1–2 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 3–4 at 2 p.m., University Theatre, Center for the Arts. Lee F. Orchard directs Oscar Wilde’s comedy set in 19th-century London. It’s a play about relationships and infidelity in English high society.
“The Directing Showcase,” Dec. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. Senior theatre majors direct one-act plays as part of their capstone coursework for the theatre department.
“Dance Ensemble,” Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at 8 p.m., University Theatre, Center for the Arts. Ann Kessler, professor of theatre, and Salena Elish, visiting theatre instructor, direct student and faculty choreographers and performers to bring a variety of dance styles and unique costume design, lighting, and music to the Valparaiso University campus.
“Our Town,” March 27–29 at 8 p.m. and March 30–31 at 2 p.m., Studio Theatre, Center for the Arts. Lee F. Orchard directs what Edward Albee described as “the greatest American play ever written.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually — in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre — die.
“Pippin,” April 26–27 and May 3 at 8 p.m. and May 5 at 2 p.m., University Theatre, Center for the Arts. Musical Director Dennis Friesen-Carper and R. Andrew White direct a musical about the heir to the Frankish throne, young prince Pippin, who is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. With an infectiously unforgettable score from Steven Schwartz, “Pippin” is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary.
“New Play Festival,” May 6 at 7 p.m., Duesenberg Recital Hall, Center for the Arts. The third Valpo New Play Festival will feature staged readings of new work written by undergraduate playwrights.

Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for senior citizens and non-Valpo students; and free for students, faculty, and staff.