By Alex Wilson,
September 30, 2021
WARRENSBURG, MO – ŷƵ Theatre and Dance has announced the
availability of through Oct. 16. After a year of limitations to live performance, UCM Theatre and
Dance is excited to invite the community back to experience theatre “Live On Stage!”
To ensure the safety of everyone, UCM theaters will be limited to 75% capacity and
all seating will be general admission to provide audiences the opportunity to socially
distance themselves. Currently, masks will be required for audiences. COVID-19-related
policies will be re-evaluated throughout the academic year by university leadership
and could possibly be changed. Current COVID policies can be found on the UCM
The past 18 months have been quite a journey for theatre practitioners everywhere.
With this in mind, UCM Theatre and Dance has selected five plays and musicals for
this season that are about the journeys people take to overcome life’s challenges.
Season tickets are available for the five exciting shows. A season subscriber receives
substantial savings, choice seating, ticket insurance and exchange privileges.
Season tickets include four mainstage productions and the dance concert for $80 for
the general public; $60 for faculty, staff, senior citizens, and military; and $40
for students. The production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”
will be performed at Hendricks Hall and all other productions will be performed in
the newly renovated Highlander Theatre, both on campus.
A brand new aspect of this season is the inclusion of Pay-What-You-Can performances.
Each Sunday matinee performance audience members can pay $1 or more for a ticket
to the show. These tickets may be purchased at the box office or online.
The season opens in Hendricks Hall with UCM Theatre and Dance presenting the play
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” opening on Oct. 8 and running
until Oct. 16. In this play, the audience sees the world through the eyes of the extraordinary
15-year-old Christopher, who is determined to solve the mystery of who killed his
neighbor’s dog. Funny and moving, this play is based on the popular novel of the same
name by Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens. Mary Trotter will
direct.
The musical version of the modern class Christmas film, “Elf,” aptly titled, “Elf
the Musical” is planned for Nov. 12-20. In this presentation, the main character,
Buddy, believes he is an elf, but his massive size and poor toy-making abilities cause
him to face the truth that he is actually human. This revelation sends him on a journey
to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Based on
the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum, and book by Thomas Meehan and
Bob Martin, music by Mathew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, “Elf The Musical” will
be directed and choreographed by Ashley Miller-Scully, with musical direction by Dr.
Jacob Sentgeorge.
From Feb. 24 - 27, Theatre and Dance will present the world premiere production of
“VOUCHer: Or, that PTA Play” by UCM faculty member Benjamin Gonzales. The play begins
with a new school year and the Prairie Valley Creek Elementary Parent Teacher Association
is short on parents because they were all lured away by The Happy Bridges Charter
Academy. On the lighter side of a dark comedy, the play follows the comings and goings
of the small group of parents as they try to re-level the playing field. The play
is directed by Dr. Aaron Scully.
The following spring show, April 1-9, is “Fun Home,” a refreshingly honest, wholly
original musical about a woman who sees her parents through grown-up eyes. When her
father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell
the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets
defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her
unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home. Based on the novel
written by Alison Bechdel, with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa
Kron, this production is directed by Mary Trotter.
Presented April 21 -24,2-2022 and closing the “Live On Stage!” season is another fresh
and creative dance concert directed by Ashley Miller-Scully titled “Kaleidoscope.”
Color can often be one of the most exciting and informative tools an artist can use
to express themselves, create mood, convey a message, or portray an emotion that profoundly
affects the viewer. The theatre choreographers will find their inspiration on the
color wheel and collaborate with art and music students to create original dance,
music and visual art.
Be a part of the UCM Theatre and Dance season “Live On Stage!” Purchase season tickets
by cash or check by calling 660-543-8811 or via email at boxoffice@ucmo.edu. Online season tickets can be found . Additionally, UCM Theatre and Dance can be supported through a donation or individuals
can become a UCM Theatre and Dance Foundation member. Foundation member benefits
can include, depending on donation amount, a tax-deduction, season tickets and name
in every playbill for the entire season. Individuals who want to become a UCM Theatre
and Dance Foundation member, are encouraged to call 660-543-4020 or visit the . For more information, contact the theatre at boxoffice@ucmo.edu or call 660-543-8811.