From hilarious to poignant and anywhere in between, the theater productions of this season touch upon topics that anyone can relate to.
Touring shows presented by performers from Broadway and abroad along with productions presented by IUP students and faculty members combine to offer theater-goers a season with humor, honesty, music, and heart.
View the Events Calendar for Lively Arts
The Brothers Karamazov
October 17-19 at 8:00 p.m. and October 20 at 2:00 p.m.; Waller Hall Studio, IUP Performing Arts Center
Using a small cast of 10 players, The Brothers Karamazov combines language, movement, and acapella chants and prayers from Orthodox and Catholic sources to weave a mystic examination of faith and doubt.
The Optimist
October 3-5 and 9-12 at 8:00 p.m.; October 6 at 2:00 p.m; Waller Hall Mainstage, IUP Performing Arts Center
Over the course of one tumultuous weekend, Noel returns to his hometown to confront the sudden death of his best friend, the wedding of his philandering father, and the reemergence of his one true love, Nicole. This play contains language and situations to which some audience members may object.
The Addams Family
October 24 at 8:00 p.m.; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
The Addams Family has become one of Broadway's biggest hits. Set with an original story that's every father's nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met.
Two One-Act Operas
October 31 and November 1-2 at 8:00 p.m., November 3 at 2:00 p.m.; Waller Hall Mainstage, IUP Performing Arts Center
Based on the play by Moliére, Signor Deluso is a comedy of layer-upon-layer of misunderstanding with young lovers, delusional neighbors, and a domineering Father. Considered a light-hearted but pointed satire of 1950s suburban sophistication and family life, Trouble in Tahiti follows housewife Dinah and businessman Sam through a typical day of married life.
Baby Wants Candy
November 19 at 8:00 p.m.; Indiana Area Senior High School
The lights go down and you and the rest of the audience shout out titles of musicals that have never been performed before.
A Christmas Carol
December 3-7 at 8:00 p.m.; December 8 at 2:00 p.m.; Waller Hall Mainstage, IUP Performing Arts Center
Charles Dickens' classic tale of redemption, told with magical wonder by the many characters of Dickens' London just in time for the holidays. Puppetry and spectacle abound in this fast-paced rendition that surprises at every turn.
Beauty and the Beast
February 27 at 7:00 p.m.; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
This award-winning love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers, including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. The story centers on Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress.
The Monster in the Garden
February 20-22, 26-28, and March 1 at 8:00 p.m.; February 23 at 2:00 p.m.; Waller Hall Mainstage, IUP Performing Arts Center
The translation and adaptation of this rediscovered work will receive its world premiere on the Waller stage. A romantic comedy by 17th-century playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca is given new life by award-winning playwright Caridad Svich. This gender-bending, provocative comedy asks all of us to believe in a little magic. Please note: Tickets stating “A Play in Development” remain valid for these performances.
The Pajama Game
April 10-12 at 8:00 p.m., April 13 at 2:00 p.m.; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
A true “song and dance” musical, The Pajama Game won three Tony Awards in 1955 for Best Musical, Best Featured Actress, and Best Choreography. Its unlikely setting in a pajama factory puts a twist on the complications of workplace romance.
