Our second stage season continues the exploration of identity, community, and responsibility. Congratulations to all of the student directors and writers below. Exact dates of productions will be posted after spring break.
Fall 2017
SS #1: Becky Shaw by Gino Gionfriddo directed by Jonah Ericson
SS #2: The Effect by Lucy Prebble directed by Peighton Jamison
Stage Reading: F*cking A by Suzan-Lori Parks directed by Aubrey Mann
Spring 2018
SS #3 Stage Reading of a new musical: An American in Beirut by Alex Wakim and Jonah Ericson, director TBA
SS #4 Inn-Dependent by Blake Cordell directed by Trace Campbell
As a reminder, our main stage season is as follows:
The Arsonists A play by Max Frisch, translation by Alistair Beaton
Full Length Play, Drama; 4m, 4f
Fires are becoming a problem, but Biedermann, a respected member of the community with a loving wife and flourishing business, believes nothing can get to him. Being the great philanthrope, he happily fulfils his civic duty, giving shelter to two new houseguests and when they start filling the attic with petrol drums he’ll help them wire the fuse. Beaton’s translation of Max Frisch’s parable about accommodating the very thing that will destroy us premièred at the Royal Court in 2007.
Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine
18 roles
The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
One of Sondheim’s most popular works, Into the Woods is a musically sophisticated show with the opportunity to feature actors adept at dark comedy.
Not Without Laughter (A K-State Theatre/Ebony Theatre collaboration)
Langston Hughes, author
Syl Jones, playwright
Victor Zupanc, composer
7 female, 4 male +ensemble
Set in a small Kansas town, at the turn of the century, Not Without Laughter is a poignant story of an Africa-American boy’s coming of age, and the harsh and painful realities of life in segregated America. The story is told from the perspective of Sandy, a ten year old boy. Sandy grows up under the watchful eye of his grandmother, who tries to protect him from bad influences so he does not go astray. Sandy is an idealist, who has a voracious appetite for books. He dreams of using the power of words to change people. This is a story that weaves the magical qualities of humanity – pain, love, laughter. A play for young audiences
She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen
Full Length Play, Dramatic Comedy; 6f, 3m,
A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
The opera has not been decided yet.