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
42nd Street
Thursday, March 30, 2017, at 8:00 p.m.; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
The original Broadway production of 42nd Street premiered in 1980 and played for almost 3,500 performances. It was nominated for eight Tony Awards winning for Best Musical and Best Choreography. It was revived in 2001, winning two more Tony Awards. Today, 42nd Street is one of the top 15 longest running shows in Broadway history.
Kid Koala's Nufonia Must Fall
Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at 8:00 p.m.; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name, Nufonia Must Fall tells a story centering “around a headphones-sporting robot on the verge of obsolescence and infatuated with a winsome office drone.” The show is projected on screen with a live string quartet performing while the “backstage” production is brought to the main stage exposing the magic to the audience.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella
Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at 7:00 p.m.; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Presented by Park Inn by Radisson Indiana
A treat for every age, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella tells the tale of a young woman, a prince about to be king, true love, a Fairy Godmother, an evil stepmother and sisters, whimsical wishes, glass slippers, magical transformations, and dreams that really do come true. Come and be transported back to your childhood with beloved songs and unforgettable moments and rediscover the beauty of this classical tale.
We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915
October 13-15 and 19-22, at 8:00 p.m.; October 16, at 2:00 p.m.; Waller Mainstage Theater, IUP Performing Arts Center
A group of actors gather to tell the little-known story of the first genocide of the 20th century. As the full force of a horrific past crashes into the good intentions of the present, what seemed a far-away place and time is suddenly all too close to home. Just whose story are they telling? This play contains language and situations to which some audience members may object.
Die Fledermaus (The Bat)
December 2 and 3, 2016, at 7:00 p.m.; December 4, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Coproduced by the Department of Music and the Department of Theater and Dance, and sung in English, Die Fledermaus is an ever-popular operetta by the King of Waltz, Johann Strauss. Join in this full-stage production as disguise provides a delightfully humorous night. Directed by Oliver Lo, choreographed by Joan Van Dyke, and featuring the IUP Faculty Festival Chamber Orchestra conducted by Michael Borowitz.
Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue
Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 8:00 p.m; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Catch a glimpse of India through this sensual, colorful performance of Taj Express: The Bollywood Music Review. Direct from Mumbai, India, Taj Express fuses traditional Bollywood and modern flare, combining western and eastern culture. This extravaganza will have the audience on the edge of their seat. Come celebrate Valentine's Day in Bollywood.
Electriad
February 21-25, 2017, at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, February 26, 2017, at 2:00 p.m; Waller Mainstage Theater, IUP Performing Arts Center
This devised adaptation creatively retells the Greek myths surrounding Electra and her brother Orestes to explore the consequences of war faced by the people most affected by it. Co-created by Carrie J. Cole and members of the ensemble and community, this play includes language not recommended for audiences under the age of 17.
Boeing, Boeing
April 20-22 and 26-29, 2017, at 8:00 p.m.; April 23, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.; Waller Mainstage Theater, IUP Performing Arts Center
A French farce of epic proportions! The story follows lothario Bernard while he attempts to juggle his three stewardess fiancées. An unexpected scheduling conflict arises leading to hilarious consequences. This play contains suggestive themes to which some audience members may object.
A Broadway Extravaganza
Thursday, April 27, 2017 8:00 p.m. Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Enjoy the IUP Symphony Orchestra and IUP Music Theater for a night of Broadway classics! This performance will include show tunes from Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Into the Woods, The Music Man, Phantom of the Opera, Sweeny Todd, and more. Directed by Dr. Oliver Lo.
NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players in HMS Pinafore
Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at 7:00 p.m.; Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Subtitled The Lass That Loved a Sailor, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players' production of HMS Pinafore promises to be a show filled with a larger-than-life comical cast and musical hit songs. This globally-traveled troupe will take you on a satirical trip aboard their British naval vessel with a story that includes a twisting love triangle, dastardly enemies, romantic characters, and signature tunes.
