Theatre Arts Department announces four shows
A musical that parodies four famous creators of musicals opens the MSUM University Theatre Series. The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) satirizes Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Kander and Ebb by creating five stories in the style of each hit musical team. The show runs Oct. 1 to 4 at 7:30 p.m. on the Gaede Stage in the Roland Dille Center for the Arts at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
A production for children follows Nov. 22 in Hansen Theatre in the Roland Dille Center. Adapted by MUSM theatre arts alum Ryan Soukup, this production is perfect for children in early elementary grades, including kindergarten. The Jungle Book tells the story of Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the jungle. Two shows, at 1 and 4 p.m., are free to the public. An animal demonstration by The Red River Zoo will take place right after the 1 p.m. show, and again at 3 p.m., preceding the 4 p.m. show. The show is free (ticket required – see below), but goodwill offerings to the Theatre Department will be accepted.
A contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s most famous love story runs from Feb. 25 to 28 on the Gaede Stage. Romi/EO and Juliet tells the tragic tale through Romi, who struggles with his sexual identity.
Closing the academic theatre season is an adaptation of Euripides’ The Bacchae. Titled THE [scream], the play portrays a power struggle that pits the divine against the damned. The production will incorporate live music, video and dance.
For tickets to all shows, including the free production of The Jungle Book, go to mnstate.edu/tickets, or call the MSUM Box Office Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (218) 477-2271. Tickets may also be purchased at the door 90 minutes before curtain.
For more information regarding themes, educational resources, or programming, please contact Ellingson at craig.ellingson@mnstate.edu. For information about MSUM Theatre Arts, go to www.mnstate.edu/theatre.