University Theatre Announces 59th Season

For over half a century, the University Theatre has brought northwest Arkansas the finest in theatrical entertainment. Productions have run the gamut, from time-tested classics to cutting-edge original work. Nationally recognized Master of Fine Arts programs in acting, directing, playwriting, and design offer audiences the opportunity to view the work of upcoming student artists training for professional careers in the arts.

The 59th Season presents four very different shows and starts — for the second consecutive year — as well as a co-production with the Walton Arts Center.

The season opens with Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama Death of a Salesman at the Walton Arts Center in the Nadine Baum Studio Theatre. The play chronicles the rise and fall of the American dream; since its debut in 1949, the play has touched thousands of theatergoers. The co-production is directed by Michael Landman, assistant professor in the department of drama.

The second production of the season will be another Arthur Miller masterpiece, The Crucible. The play recalls the terrible events taking place in Salem Village in 1692, 19 people were sentenced to death during the infamous witch trials. Theocracy, vengeance, and betrayal are the core issues of this tale, which proves a mirror to modern society. The play, directed by Kate Frank, visiting instructor in the department of drama, will be staged at the University Theatre.

The spring semester begins with third year MFA student Emily Jones, who will direct Molière’s masterpiece, The Learned Ladies, English translation by Richard Wilbur, at the University Theatre. As in most of Molière’s work, comedy and social satire perfectly meld to create an absolutely great and amusing play.

The 59th Season closes with a musical. Amy Herzberg, professor of drama, will direct The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the Tony winning Broadway musical written by William Finn, book by Rachel Sheinkin, at the University Theatre. The musical follows six young people as they try to spell their way to the National Spelling Bee Finals. It is funny, heart-warming and quirky — and it will certainly increase your vocabulary!

 

Program Details

Death of a Salesman
by Arthur Miller
Directed by Michael Landman
October 2-3, 9-10 at 8 p.m.
October 4 & 11 at 2 p.m.
Walton Arts Center – Nadine Baum Studio Theatre

The Crucible
by Arthur Miller
Directed by Kate Frank
November 13-14, 18-21 at 8 pm
November 15 & 22 at 2 pm
At University Theatre

The Learned Ladies
by Molière
English translation by Richard Wilbur
Directed by Emily Jones
February 19-20, 24-27 at 8 p.m.
February 21 & 28 at 2 p.m.
University Theatre

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music and lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Directed by Amy Herzberg
April 16-17, 21-24 at 8 p.m.
April 18 &25 at 2 p.m.
University Theatre

Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 479-575-3946.
Season ticket subscribers save 25% over single ticket prices.

Season ticket Prices
Adult $50
Senior $45
Faculty, Staff $35
Student $15

Single tickets for each show go on sale one week prior to opening. For reservations, call the University Theatre Ticket Office at 479-575-4752.
Box Office hours are noon to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and two hours prior to each performance.

Single ticket prices
Adult: $14
Faculty, Staff, Seniors: $12
Children, Non-UA Students: $5
UA Students: Free on Wed, Thur, and Sun (students, please show your UA ID)
$3 on Friday and Saturday

University Theatre accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and AMX!

For more information, please call 479-575-3946!