‘Our Town,’ ‘Carrie,’ ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ highlight Wright State Theatre’s 2024–25 season

Wright State University Theatre will present a season of thoughtful drama, riotous comedy, and classic and contemporary musicals during the 2024–2025 academic year.

“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,” said Marya Spring Cordes, professor in acting and musical theatre and artistic director of Wright State Theatre.

Season tickets are now available and can be purchased through the Wright State School of Fine and Performing Arts Box Office at 937-775-2500 or online.

More information on the season is available at wright.edu/boxoffice.

“Our Town,” Sept. 27–Oct. 6, Festival Playhouse

Wright State Theatre will open its new season with “Our Town,” a deeply moving and thought-provoking drama by Thornton Wilder. This classic play, which is in its fifth Broadway run, envelops audiences in the places and faces of Grover’s Corners, holding up a mirror to all of humanity.

“Our Town” is the “perfect way to start your fall theatre season,” said Cordes, who will direct the play.

“Carrie: The Musical,” Oct. 31–Nov. 17, Festival Playhouse

Wright State Theatre will celebrate Halloween with “Carrie: The Musical,” which is inspired by the Stephen King novel of the same name. This cautionary tale about teenagers and high school cruelty is a thrilling theatrical experience.

“Carrie: The Musical” is directed by Jamie Cordes, senior lecturer in acting, with music direction by Matt Ebright, a staff member in the School of Fine and Performing Arts, and guest choreography by Jennifer Sydor.

“The Apple Tree,” Nov. 15–24, Herbst Theatre

“The Apple Tree” is a witty, tuneful and charming show comprised of three musical miniatures: “The Diary of Adam and Eve,” “The Lady or the Tiger?” and “Passionella.” Wright State’s production is guest directed and choreographed by Leslie Goddard-Baum and with music direction by Wade Russo, instructor and musical director in the theatre program.

“Much Ado About Nothing,” Feb. 14–23, 2025, Festival Playhouse

William Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” is full of trickery, mistaken identity, witty banter and romance. “Much Ado About Nothing” is directed by Josh Aaron McCabe, associate professor and head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program.

“Everybody,” Nov. 15–24, Herbst Theatre

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ modern adaptation of “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.

“Everybody” is guest directed by Gregory Mallios, adjunct instructor and a Wright State acting graduate.

“Alice By Heart,” March 14–30, Festival Playhouse

“Alice By Heart,” a touching musical inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” celebrates the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times. The new musical was created by the Tony and Grammy Award–winning creators of “Spring Awakening.” “Alice By Heart” is directed and choreographed by Greg Hellems, professor and head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program, with music direction by Wade Russo, instructor and musical director in the theatre program.

Spring Dance Concert, April 24–27, Festival Playhouse

The Wright State University Dance Ensemble will offer a varied evening of dance with its annual Spring Dance Concert. The concert will feature the work of Wright State’s dance faculty members Gina Walther and Ashley Pabst, guest artists and Dayton Ballet II and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II.