The thematic link of the MSU Department of Theatre's 2014-15 season of plays and musicals is power dynamics. Whether political, personal or generational, power is a timeless theatrical theme.
The power struggles on display this year shed light on human and civil rights at MSU, bullying, questioning of authority and many more. The season includes classic Shakespeare, contemporary musical and world premiere plays.
• "Project 60/50" by Rob Roznowski in collaboration with Dan Smith and directed by Christina Traister: Sept. 18-28. A world premiere theatrical examination of MSU’s involvement with human and civil rights in conjunction with the year-long commemoration of the Civil Rights Act and Brown vs. Board of Education ruling.
• "Carrie The Musical"; book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford and music by Michael Gore: Oct. 10-19. Directed by Joe Barros, Stephen King’s famous novel is the basis for this haunting musical about Carrie White, a misfit struggling for acceptance in high school. Torn between her religious upbringing and her awakening sexuality, Carrie discovers she has special powers. This musical is underwritten by a grant from the Stage Directors and Choreographers Fund.
• Haunted Auditorium: Oct. 29-31. This fundraiser’s proceeds go directly to students initiatives.
• "Freshman Showcase: Power Plays" directed by Dionne O’Dell: Nov. 6-9. This evening of new and classic scenes reflecting on the theme of power introduces our newest student actors, designers and stage managers. Come and meet the next generation of MSU power players.
• "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Christopher Hampton and directed by Dan Smith: Nov. 14-23. Scheming and steaming are two words to describe this erotic witty play that explores the sexual games played in French high society in 1780. Scorching dialogue, scandalous encounters and unforgettable characters intertwine in this disturbing comedy.
• "Theatre2Film Project" directed by Mark Colson: Jan. 30-Feb. 8. A show developed by students that will play first as a theatrical piece and later be filmed. In a show that explores the terms “theatrical” and “cinematic,” audiences will be witness to this unique experiment.
• "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, directed by Ann Folino White: Feb. 20-March 1. The Scottish play examines politics and power, madness, ambition, blood and witches. One of the most recognizable of Shakespeare’s tragedies consumes the Fairchild stage.
• "Sirens" by Zoe Laufer: March 26-April 26 is a wistful romantic comedy about reigniting the spark in a fading marriage.
• "Chess in Concert": March 27 and 28 at Wharton Center. This concert is produced by the Department of Theatre at MSU’s College of Arts and Letters and MSU Federal Credit Union Institute for Arts and Creativity as part of the imáGEN program and will feature Broadway talent and MSU students.
• "Strange Interlude" by Eugene O’Neill and directed by Rob Roznowski: March 26 – April 1. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play analyzes the inner workings of the minds of several characters focused on Nina Leeds as she examines the many men in her life. This controversial play spans decades and locations in a surprisingly comedic epic.
• "Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical," book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni with music by Galt McDermott and directed by Deric McNish: April 14- 26. As a musical celebration of an era, this powerful and emotional musical will inspire a new generation as it journeys through a tumultuous time in America’s history. Hair has an unparalleled score of crossover pop/rock hits.