Dayton Daily News: Wright State Theatre plans ‘Our Town,’ ‘Carrie’ and more for 2024-25 season

Wright State University Theatre and Dance’s 2024-2025 season will be comprised of timeless drama, hilarious comedy, and classic and contemporary musicals.

“In a season which features stories of rising independence, tragic consequences, love, and secretive trickery, audiences will experience one of our most eclectic and varied seasons in recent history,” organizers said in a press release.

“Our Town”
Sept. 27-Oct. 7, 2024
Festival Playhouse
Director: Artistic Director Marya Spring Cordes

Thornton Wilder’s deeply moving and thought-provoking play about life in Grover’s Corners holds a mirror to all of humanity.

“Carrie: The Musical”
Oct. 31-Nov. 17, 2024
Festival Playhouse
Director: Jamie Cordes

Inspired by the Stephen King novel of the same name and featuring music direction by Matt Ebright, this musical about teens and terror features music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (”Fame”), lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (”Fame,” “Footloose”), and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, screenwriter of the film. Cordes serves as a WSU senior lecturer.

“The Apple Tree”
Nov. 15-24, 2024
Herbst Studio Theatre
Guest director/choreographer: Leslie Goddard-Baum

Composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick, the songwriting team behind “Fiddler on the Roof” and “She Loves Me,” wrote this witty, tuneful, and charming 1966 show comprised of three musical miniatures: “The Diary of Adam and Eve”, “The Lady or the Tiger?” and “Passionella.” Goddard-Baum notably appeared on Broadway in “Hairspray,” and Wright State’s resident music director Wade Russo will provide music direction.

“Much Ado About Nothing”
Feb. 14-23, 2025
Festival Playhouse
Director: Josh Aaron McCabe

William Shakespeare’s comedic romp revels in mistaken identity, witty banter and romance. McCabe serves as Head of Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Program.

“Everybody”
Feb. 21-March 2, 2025
Herbst Studio Theatre
Guest director: Gregory Mallios

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ modern adaptation on “Everyman,” a 15th century morality play, centers on the meaning of living. At each performance the actors’ roles are selected by lottery, requiring each actor to know and perform all the roles. Mallios, a WSU alum, is an adjunct instructor.

“Alice By Heart”
March 14-30, 2025
Festival Playhouse
Director/choreographer: Greg Hellems

This new musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is from Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning songwriting team behind “Spring Awakening.” Co-written by Jessie Nelson (”Waitress”), the show “celebrates the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.” Hellems serves as Head of Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre Program. Wade Russo will provide music direction.

Spring Dance Concert
April 24-27, 2025
Festival Playhouse

The Wright State University Dance Ensemble will offer diverse works. Featuring choreography by Wright State’s faculty Gina Walther (Head of Dance), Ashley Pabst and guest artists, the evening will include WSU’s community education partners Dayton Ballet II and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II.

Season tickets can be purchased starting in July through the Wright State School of Fine and Performing Arts Box Office by calling 937-775-2500 or visiting wright.edu/theatre.