UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Centre Stage (PSCS) is bringing back its summer theater offerings with two productions for 2025.
The premiere of the musical “True Crime Frankenstein or the Modern, Modern Prometheus,” will be held June 12–15 in the Penn State Downtown Theatre
“Love Hurts: A Roaring Selection of Shakespeare's Funniest Feuds and Most Romantic Lovers' Quarrels,” will be presented June 16–18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Overlook Pavilion at the Arboretum at Penn State. The show is a free production presented by Firefly Rep, a new professional summer theater initiative within Penn State Centre Stage.
PSCS is the professional arm of the School of Theatre, which is housed in the College of Arts and Architecture.
“In the School of Theatre, we have embraced collaboration, innovation and the determination to continue to tell stories,” said Interim Director Kikora Franklin, who will become the permanent director on July 1. “The challenges of recent years — ranging from the impacts of COVID-19 to shifting budgets and institutional restructuring — placed Penn State Centre Stage’s summer theater on pause; however, we continue to imagine, and have the desire to engage with the community. This summer, we are proud to present two dynamic and distinct productions that demonstrate our commitment to doing what theater does best — creating meaning and building connections.”
Penn State Centre Stage and Penn State’s Musical Theatre program are collaborating with Concord Theatricals on “True Crime Frankenstein,” which was written by Matt Cox (book) and Eli Bolin (music and lyrics) and is directed by John Simpkins, head of the Musical Theatre program.
“The writers have taken the classic Frankenstein tale and infused it with pop music, ensemble theater sketch comedy and modern technology to assist a high schooler with her true crime podcast,” according to Simpkins.
Shakespeare lovers will then have a chance to get their fix with Firefly Rep’s “Love Hurts” at the arboretum, directed by Sam Osheroff, assistant teaching professor. Following “Love Hurts,” Firefly Rep will collaborate with the Penn’s Woods Music Festival for "Strings, Sonnets and Shakespeare” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, in the Recital Hall. The concert will blend the expressive beauty of string music with the timeless poetry of William Shakespeare. The program features original musical settings of Shakespearean sonnets and iconic scenes from the Bard himself, alongside Dvořák’s spirited American Quartet. Tickets are $30, or free for students outside the College of Arts and Architecture. Visit pwmf.psu.edu for details.
About Penn State Centre Stage
Penn State Centre Stage serves as the professional arm of Penn State’s School of Theatre, providing a platform for professional artists, faculty and students to collaborate in the creation of world-class theater. With the launch of Firefly Rep, Penn State Centre Stage continues its mission of bringing exceptional theatrical experiences to the community.