Fall Theatre Performances Announced

HSU Theatre’s fall season promises to be full of songs, laughter, and fun for the whole family.

“Falling in love, friendship, family, and forgiveness: That’s what you’ll experience at HSU theatre this year as we tell the stories of our time,” said Dr. Victoria Spangler, Associate Professor of Theatre. “This season has a nice balance of high-quality, classic literature and some new plays that reflect new challenges in our lives. People will find that they will recognize themselves in the characters onstage.”

The season will begin with an outdoor musical theatre experience called Pops at the Pond on Sept. 28; 5-6:30 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, a blanket, and a picnic basket to the Reflection Pond as students serenade them with hits from Broadway and beyond. Students will perform songs from “Mean Girls,” “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Addams Family,” and more. Admission to this event is free.

The first musical of the season is “Anything Goes” Oct. 3-6 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Oct. 7 at 2:00 p.m.

This family-friendly comedy is set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, where nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England. Her pal Billy Crocker has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, but the problem is Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Joining this love triangle on board the luxury liner are Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin and his sidekick-in-crime Erma. With the help of some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and good old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Martin join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart.

“This show has song after song that the audience will recognize,” Spangler said. “Our students have been practicing their tap dancing for three years for this, and they’re very excited to showcase their skills.”

The next show is a Director’s Cut called “Matt and Ben” on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 4 at 2:00 p.m. Director’s Cut performances give students the opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills that they are learning in class. They are completely student-led, with students directing, designing, and acting.

“We want it to stretch those students to get an opportunity that they wouldn’t have elsewhere,” said Dr. Spangler.

The theatre will perform “Love/Sick” at Nov. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 11 at 2:00 p.m. This performance is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 80-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, “Love/Sick” is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone.

The fall season will end with Directfest Dec. 7-8 7:30-9:30 p.m. These evenings will feature short plays directed, designed, performed, and produced by the students in Directing I.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Van Ellis Theatre box office (325-670-1404) or online at the HSU Theatre webpage.