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
Jersey Boys
Sponsored by Park Inn by Radisson Indiana
Thursday, October 12, 2017; 8:00 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
This Best Musical Tony, Grammy, and Olivier award-winning Broadway hit is driven by the true story of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Four Seasons. The story follows four blue-collar kids—Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi—and how they became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs and sold 175 million records worldwide—all before they were 30. Contains strong language.
Lizzie Borden
October 19-21 and 25-28, 2017, 8:00 p.m.; and October 22, 2:00 p.m.; Waller Hall Mainstage Theater, IUP Performing Arts Center
A bloody deed erupts amidst the corseted respectability of Victorian Massachusetts, creating an enduring mystery explored through a new musical interpretation. Contains strong language and situations.
The Acorn Project
Titles and Playwrights to Be Determined
November 10 and 11, 2017, 8:00 p.m.; and November 12, 2:00 p.m.; Waller Hall Studio Theater, IUP Performing Arts Center
From tiny seeds, mighty oaks do grow! The Acorn Project nurtures and showcases theater and dance student growth, providing opportunities for students to perform, produce, direct, write, and design. This project will showcase selected new student works.
The Wolves
February 22-24 and February 28-March 3, 2917, 8:00 p.m.; and February 25, 2:00 p.m.; Waller Hall Mainstage Theater, IUP Performing Arts Center
From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, a girls' indoor soccer team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors in this finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Contains strong language and suggestive themes.
Kinky Boots
Thursday, April 19, 2018; 8:00 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
This Broadway mega-hit tells the story about a most unexpected and unlikely pair. The winner of a Tony for Best Musical, a Grammy, and London's Olivier Award, Kinky Boots encourages people to embrace their differences. Set in Great Britain, the line-up includes 16 original songs by pop legend Cyndi Lauper and is bona fide huge-hearted, high-heeled, and high-stepping spectacular.
Twelfth Night
April 12-14 and 18-21, 2018, 8:00 p.m.; and April 15, 2:00 p.m.; Waller Hall Mainstage Theater, IUP Performing Arts Center
Shakespeare's brilliant exploration of human love in its many forms—a masterpiece replete with unforgettable characters, music, dance, spectacle, and comedy for every taste.
Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!
May 2, 4, and 5, 2018, 7:30 p.m.; Waller Hall Mainstage Theater, IUP Performing Arts Center
Produced by IUP Music Theater, this unique blend includes two 45-minute abridged comic operas in one night—The Barber of Seville by Rossini and The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart. See how Figaro helps Count Almaviva win the heart of Rosina in the first episode, followed by how Figaro defends his own bride from the Count in the second half.
