Excerpt from the Dayton Daily News
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.
- Sept. 27-Oct. 7, 2024: “Our Town”—Thornton Wilder’s deeply moving and thought-provoking play about life in Grover’s Corners holds a mirror to all of humanity.
- Oct. 31-Nov. 17, 2024: “Carrie: The Musical”—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.
- Nov. 15-24, 2024: “The Apple Tree”—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.
- Feb. 14-23, 2025: “Much Ado About Nothing”—William Shakespeare’s comedic romp revels in mistaken identity, witty banter and romance. McCabe serves as Head of Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Program.
- Feb. 21-March 2, 2025: “Everybody”—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.
- March 14-30, 2025: “Alice By Heart”—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.
