Augustana 2016-17 theatre season

Mainstage

Just A Dream: The Green Play

Sept. 30–Oct. 2
Directed by Jackie McCall

Making the world green isn't just a dream! This fun and funny, eco-friendly play tells the story of Walter, the litterbug. As Walter's wacky journey ("It's Just a Dream!") alerts him to what he must to do to protect the environment, students also learn what it takes to preserve the planet.  The original play by Adventure Theatre is based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, the author of Jumanji and The Polar Express.

Othello

Oct. 14-23
Directed by Jeff Coussens

Othello, Shakespeare’s classic story of lust, jealousy and vengeance is a timeless tale applicable in any age. Focusing on differences and otherness in every aspect of life, Director Jeff Coussens plans to bring Othello into a contemporary light. Othello focuses on the life of the titular character, a Moorish/Venetian general, as he deals with the many plots against him and struggles to understand just exactly who he can trust.

Crimes of the Heart

Jan. 27-Feb. 5
Directed by Jennifer Popple

The three Magrath sisters are back together in their hometown of Hazelhurst, Mississippi for the first time in a decade. Lenny, the eldest, never left Hazelhurst -- she is the caretaker of the sisters’ cantankerous Old Granddaddy. Meg, the middle sister, left home to pursue stardom as a singer in Los Angeles, but has, so far, only found happiness at the bottom of a bottle. And Babe, the youngest, has just been arrested for the murder of her abusive husband, Zackery Bottrelle. Under the scorching heat of the Mississippi sun, past resentments bubble to the surface and each sister must come to terms with the consequences of her own “crimes of the heart.”

Titanic

April 28-May 7
Directed by Erin Platt
Music direction by Ron May

Come aboard the ship of dreams in this Tony Award®-winning Best Musical—a heart-stopping and riveting ride through the final moments of Titanic’s fateful journey.

In the final hour of 14 April 1912 the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and ‘the unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century. 1517 men, women and children lost their lives.

Based on actual characters aboard the greatest ship in the world, Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel) and Peter Stone’s stunning musical focuses on their hopes and aspirations. Unaware of the fate that awaits them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the newly-enfranchised Second Class dream of achieving the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and the millionaire Barons of the First Class dream of their hegemony lasting forever.

Studio Season

Rabbit Hole

Sept. 1-4
Directed by Joe Oliger

A story about death, grief and what ifs, Rabbit Hole delves into the complexity of a family navigating terrible loss, and learning what it means to continue living after the unimaginable happens.

Agnes of God

Dec. 8-11
Directed by Jacob Kilburg

Summoned to a convent, a court-appointed psychiatrist is charged with assessing the sanity of a novice accused of murdering her newborn. The Mother Superior determinedly keeps young Agnes from the doctor, arousing suspicions further. Who killed the infant and who fathered the tiny victim? Questions force all three women to re-examine the meaning of faith and the power of love leading to a dramatic, compelling climax.

Politicalamity

March 10-12

The Play Production class pick a title, and designs, directs and produces a show.  This annual offering gives students an inside look at all the aspects of play production and the collaborative nature of theatre.

Quad Cities Playwrights Festival

May 13
Faculty mentor Jeff Coussens

This showcase of 10-minute plays highlights new works by area playwrights high school age and up.