Local Schools Producing Classic Theater This Fall

This Fall, several local colleges and universities are producing American classics on their various stages.

This Thursday is Wright State’s opening night of “Oklahoma!”  Jon Hacker (Melchior in “Spring Awakening” plays Curly and Kate Mueller (Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker”) is Laurey in this classic of musical theater.  I’m very much looking forward to seeing Andrew Quiett (“Death of a Salesman,” “Grand Hotel,”) inhabit the role of Jud Fry and I’m sure Sean (“Phantom of the Opera,” Jones as Ali Hakim will rock the Festival Playhouse Stage.  There are a handful of tickets let for this weekend, which can be purchased here. I’m unfortunately not seeing it until November 10th, unless I give in and head up sooner!

Also this week, Northern Kentucky University presents “South Pacific.”  I’ve not personally been to see anything at NKU yet, but their musicals sell out quickly so they must be good!  If you’d like to try to get tickets, you can check out their website.

This Friday, Xavier University, partnering with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, will present “The Crucible.”  This show will feature members of the professional acting company on stage along side Xavier students.  Both Bruce Cromer and Sara Clark are in the show, which indicates to me that it will be well worth seeing. Tickets are here.

Speaking of Shakespeare, Miami University is taking on “MacBeth” opening 10/30.  This creepy Halloween-appropriate show will be performed in the Gates-Abegglen Theatre.  Tickets are available here.

Opening Halloween night is the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music’s “Singing in the Rain.” Max Clayton, who danced so well in “Chess”, acted so well in “Spring Awakening,” and sang so well in “Three Penny Opera” takes on the very challenging role of Don Lockwood (made famous by Gene Kelley) in the 1952 film.  He’ll need all of his skills in this one!  He is joined on stage by Katie Wesler, Matt Hill, Sarah Bishop, and many others for what promises to be a show full of special effects, film clips, and amazing tap dancing.  Tickets are available here.  I’ll be there for both Friday and Sundays performances.

Finally, Ball State University in Muncie, IN will present “42nd Street.”  While it’s not exactly local, I will be heading up to see one of my favorite performers, Caleb Donahoe (Melchior in “Spring Awakening”), as Billy Lawlor tap dance his way through this American classic.  Tickets are available here.

We are very fortunate to live in an area with so many local college and universities training what I’m sure are tomorrow’s Broadway stars.  I would highly encourage you to get out and see as many of these shows as possible!