Wright State’s 2019-20 Theatre and Dance season: where Broadway begins

From musical comedy to drama, fairy tales to disco to a bit of the macabre, Wright State University’s 2019-20 Theatre and Dance Season is sure to bring applause.

“Wright State Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures is offering one of our most entertaining and contemporary seasons this year,” said Joe Deer, chair of the department. “As always, you’ll get to see our internationally selected students in professional-quality productions at the newly renovated Creative Arts Center.”

Guided by Deer and W. Stuart McDowell, artistic director, the upcoming season features variety to please.

Festival Playhouse

Sept. 26-Oct. 6
“Peter and the Starcatcher”
A play by Rick Elice
Music by Wayne Barker
Where did Peter Pan come from? This family-friendly drama, filled with song and dance, is a prequel to J. M. Barrie’s “Peter and Wendy,” providing a backstory for the characters of Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling, Tinker Bell and Captain Hook.

Oct. 31-Nov. 17
“The Addams Family”
Book: Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music and lyrics: Andrew Lippa
This delightful musical comedy depicts a ghoulish American family, living in a haunted house, with an affinity for all things macabre.

Feb. 6-16
“The Wolves”
By Sarah DeLappe, Pulitzer Prize finalist
A young girls’ soccer team warms up to face the large and small challenges of adult life. This play contains adult language and mature subject matter.

March 19-April 12
“Mamma Mia!”
Music and lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
Book by Catherine Johnson
Audiences will want to put on their boogie shoes to dance to this global smash-hit featuring the music of ABBA.

A limited number of four-show subscription packages, which include “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “The Addams Family,” “The Wolves” and “Mamma Mia!,” are still available through the box office website.

Single tickets go on sale two weeks prior to the opening of each show online on Sunday at noon, and by phone on Monday at noon at 937-775-2500.

The following shows will also be presented during the season:

Nov. 22-Dec. 8, Herbst Theatre
“Into the Woods”
Book by James Lapine
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Everyone’s favorite storybook characters come to life in this Tony Award-winning musical.

Feb. 21-March 1, Herbst Theatre
“An Enemy of the People”
By Henrik Ibsen
Don’t miss Arthur Miller’s timeless adaptation of an electrifying drama. Will a man of courage stand up to society and the masses when he discovers the city waters are polluted?

April 23-26, Festival Playhouse
Dance Concert
The Wright State Dance Ensemble presents five world-premiere works.

The Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures offers a unique undergraduate focus on preparing future professionals in the performing and creative arts, as well as careers that build upon their skills and experience. Graduates of the programs are working professionally across the country and have won national acclaim.