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Kiss Me, Kate
Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter
Book by Sam and Bella Spewack
Directed by Megan Bellwoar
Egotistical leading man, director, and producer Fred Graham is reunited with his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi, when the two are forced to play opposite one another in a new production of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. The battle of the sexes continues onstage and off, as it becomes clear that, as much as this couple profess to hate each other, they are also still in love. Alongside their bickering liaison, the show’s supporting actress, Lois Lane, supports her gambling boyfriend, Bill, as he attempts to evade the the clutches of local gangsters. Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, the mob, and comedic routines into the mix and you get Kiss Me, Kate -- a dazzling Broadway classic that earned the very first Tony award for Best Musical.
Me, War, and Toy Grenade
Book by Nina Zakhozhenko
Director To Be Announced
In this US premiere, Me, War and Toy Grenade presents a series of vignettes about people who are looking for ways to adapt to a new reality since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Each of them faces a choice: go or stay, fight or hide, save yourself or help your neighbor. These are stories from "the rear": from the depths of the Kharkiv metro, from roadblocks in the capital's sleeping areas, from the occupied suburbs, from telegram chats and conversations with the dead. These are stories about love, jealousy, care, and helplessness that bring an element of hope in a time of uncertainty.
24th Annual AIDs Benefit
Directed by WCU Students
This student directed and produced benefit/fundraiser is a mix of variety show-style acts staring our very own WCU students. It has become a well-attended event and a campus highlight each season with a growing staff, cast, and supporting audience! In 2020 the event won the “Organization Program of the Year” Leadership Award and in 2021 won the "Best Student Club Collaborative" Leadership Award from West Chester University’s Office of Student Leadership and Involvement. The West Chester event is one of the largest outside sources of funding for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.
Three Sisters
Book by Anton Chekhov
Directed by John Bellomo
Three Sisters is the third of Anton Chekhov’s four major plays. Chronicling three and a half years in the falling fortunes of the four children of a recently deceased Colonel in the Russian army, the play follows sweet Irina, the youngest and most impressionable; tempestuous Masha, who is trapped in a loveless marriage; and practical Olga, who has resigned herself to spinsterhood. With gentle humor, warmth, and compassion, we can understand why this play is regarded to be the most masterful of Chekhov's works.
Student Written One Acts
Written by Students of THA 313
Directed by Students
The Student Written One Acts is an evening of short plays penned by the Theatre 313 Playwrighting Class. Experience the plays reflecting issues and themes that resonate with West Chester University students. We are pleased to have our talented students serve as directors, designers, technicians, stage managers and, of course, actors to present this night of original student work.
Silent Sky
Book by Lauren Gunderson
Directed By Leonard Kelly
It is 1900, and Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer, has the opportunity to work at Harvard University as a human computer, one of Dr. Edward Pickering’s “harem,” mapping the stars but receiving no scientific credit. When Henrietta arrives, she discovers she will not be able to do any sort of astronomical discovery, and only the stars photographed by the men of the department. However, Henrietta still begins the process of recording the changes in Cepheid stars - a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy while pushing aside and risking her beloved relationships.
