Arts and Entertainment

Penn State Centre Stage announces 2015–16 Season

Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State Centre Stage has announced the six electrifying shows that will be featured on its 2015–16 mainstage season.

The season opens with Glenn Gordon’s I.D., Sept. 8–20, in the Penn State Downtown Theatre. What happens when you uncover your ancestry and discover the unknown? Does it change how you see yourself? Does it change how you see others? Directed by Steve Broadnax, I.D. is a world premiere hip hop theatre piece that explores cultural identity utilizing dance, music, and emceeing. This show includes profanity and content that may be challenging for some audience members.

“Penn State Centre Stage’s 2015–16 season offers something for everyone and theatrical riches for all,” said Dan Carter, Director of the School of Theatre and Artistic Director of Penn State Centre Stage. “Running the gamut of style, content, and tone, our stages will feature three musicals, one of the most beloved comedies ever, a little hip hop, and a healthy dose of social consciousness. Don’t miss out on this cornucopia of theatricality.”

From Oct. 5–17, Centre Stage will present the multiple Tony Award-winning musical "Titanic" at the Pavilion Theatre, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, and book by Peter Stone. Directed by Courtney Young, the haunting story of the great ship Titanic is told in a riveting musical that examines the hopes and dreams of rich and poor, heroes and cowards, lovers and foes in the nights leading up the ship's fatal encounter with an iceberg.

The fall season concludes with Naomi Iizuka’s "Good Kids," Nov. 16–Dec. 5, directed by Holly Thuma at the Pavilion Theatre. Set in a high school in the American mid-west, "Good Kids" explores the very public aftermath of a sex crime and its cover-up. Who’s telling the truth? Whose version of the story do you believe; and what does that say about you? Loosely based on the Steubenville High School rape case, "Good Kids" is provocative and stunningly current. This show includes profanity and mature subject matter that may be challenging for some audience members.

The spring season opens with the musical "110 in the Shade," Feb. 16–27, 2016 at the Playhouse Theatre. Directed by Richard Roland, with music by Harvey Schmidt, book by N. Richard Nash, and lyrics by Tom Jones, "110 in the Shade" is set against the backdrop of a heat wave in 1930’s Texas and tells the story of Lizzie Curry -- a spinster who, despite her wit, intelligence and homemaking skills, is on the verge of becoming an old maid -- that is, until a charismatic rainmaker named Starbuck enters town and changes her world forever.

With music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, and book by Alex Timbers, "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" will run from March 29–April 9 at the Downtown Theatre Center. Directed by Emmy Frank, and utilizing a blend of outrageous comedy and infectious rock music, "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" uses the story of America's controversial seventh president to examine the attraction and terrors of American populism. This show includes profanity and mature subject matter that may be challenging for some audience members.

Centre Stage will conclude its 2015–16 season with Oscar Wilde’s "The Important of Being Earnest," April 12–23 in the Pavilion Theatre. Directed by Richard Robicheaux, and considered to be Oscar Wilde's most brilliant tour de force, The Importance of Being Earnest is celebrated not only for the lighthearted ingenuity of its plot, but also for its inspired dialogue, still savored by all who enjoy artful conversation.

For additional show information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.theatre.psu.edu. Tickets are also available at Penn State Tickets Downtown, Eisenhower Box Office, Bryce Jordan Center, or by calling 814-863-0255 or 1-800-ARTS-TIX. Save 10 percent when you buy tickets to four or more shows.

Last Updated June 11, 2015