Once again, Ogden audiences will be treated to a series of powerhouse performances from Weber State University’s nationally recognized theatre program. The 2022-23 season features four shows, including the world premiere of a new musical.
From a tender love story to a dark Broadway classic, from a world-premiere musical inspired by a classic Hans Christian Andersen tale to Innovation Theatre, where students showcase their talents and creativity, this season promises to be one of WSU’s strongest.
“The 22-23 season examines the choices we make and how those choices alter the paths we take,” said Andrew Barratt Lewis, assistant professor of theatre. “These plays and musicals feature complex and nuanced characters grappling to do their best with what life’s dealt them.”
For the first time, patrons will be able to purchase a season flex pass of eight tickets to be used across the season’s four shows in any combination for only $100.
Nearing its ninth decade, WSU Theatre is a treasured jewel to theatre lovers throughout the region. It is not just a place to see the acting stars of tomorrow, but also enjoy professional caliber design and world premiere plays, all at a fraction of Broadway ticket prices.
“WSU theatre is not only entertaining,“ Lewis commented. “Patron support helps our faculty and students achieve the best education possible. And that’s good for everyone.”
This season will also mark the curtain call for costume designer Catherine Zublin, who is retiring after 37 years on the faculty of the theatre program. Known for her lavish, spectacular costumes and her immense knowledge of costume history, Catherine will finish her year designing the two musicals and mentoring the student designers. Audiences won’t want to miss one more chance to see her stunning designs.
Tickets (including the new season flex pass) will be available for purchase on Monday, Aug. 1 at weberstatetickets.com.
Upcoming plays for the new season are:
“Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Tracy Callahan
Eccles Theatre, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 7-8 and 12-15, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.
“Eurydice” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. concordtheatricals.com
“Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl is the story of two people who are a little too young and a little too in love. Despite the sadness of the classical myth, the modern adaptation is full of imagery and illusion that lend a sense of wonder and hope to some of life’s heaviest subjects —love, loss and death. The play’s language, imagery, characters and theme all serve to enhance and deepen the audience’s understanding of the passion, truth and love testing the young couple’s devotion to their dreams.
“Sweeny Todd” by Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim
Directed by Andrew Barratt Lewis
Music directed by Kenneth Plain
Allred Theatre, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts
Nov. 11-12 and 16-19, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on Nov. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.
“Sweeny Todd” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.mtishows.com
The infamous tale of “Sweeny Todd,” an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up— and the carnage has only just begun!
“Matchstick Girl”: A new musical by Jennifer Kokai and Kenneth Plain
Directed by Andrew Barratt Lewis
Music directed by Kenneth Plain
Allred Theatre, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts
Feb. 24-25 and March 1-4, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on Feb. 25 and March 4 at 2 p.m.
World premiere of a new musical. It is New Year’s Eve in Victorian Denmark. As the people bustle about the town, carrying treats like cakes of marzipan rings to share with friends, Sofia stands alone, shoeless in the bitter cold with a handful of matches for sale. A chance encounter with an old friend, Johan, on his way to his family’s ball, gives her a glimpse of a world of warmth, love and safety that she is denied and leaves Johan troubled and conflicted about what he should or could do for her. Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story is brought to life in a sweeping musical about what we owe to each other in a community.
Innovation Theatre
Directed by WSU theatre students
Eccles Theatre, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts
April 7-8 and 13-15, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on April 15 at 2 p.m.
Innovation Theatre is all about students creating work from an established source. Students are busy dreaming up their projects now, so we can’t tell you yet what you’ll get. Previous versions included “Wyeth” based on the life and art of Andrew Wyeth, “Lest We Forget,” a devised piece centered on the life of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafza, and “Triangle” inspired from the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Each student director researches an idea they believe will create strong theatre and enlists an ensemble of student actors and designers to help devise the story through song, movement and unique storytelling. The process is one of collaboration and ensemble discovery.
For promotional graphics, please visit https://lindquistcollege.smugmug.com/DPA/Theatre/WSU-Theatre-22-23-Preview/