UNW Theatre 2023–2024 Season

UNW Theatre 2023–2024 Season 2023–2024 Season 2023–2024 Season 2023–2024 Season 2023–2024 Season 2023–2024 Season 2023–2024 Season 2023–2024 Season 2023–2024 Season

A word from the artistic director

We’ve got an action-packed season for the whole family to enjoy! This year, we are putting all of the greats on stage: a Shakespeare classic, a movie made into a Broadway musical, a quirky, kid-friendly Christmas play, a musical based on a popular classic comic strip, and a new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes.

We’ll start our season in the Patsy Miller Studio Theater with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, with an all new adaptation and concept. It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never experienced it, fairies vs. humans, dancing, sword play and singing, all set within an atmosphere of enchanting spectacle. It will be a truly unique experience!

On the Knight Performance Hall stage, straight off of Broadway and the U.S. tour, we’re delighted to bring the musical Anastasia to our stage. With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes, and favorite musical numbers from the cherished animated film, Anastasia, is sure to delight the whole family!

Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is a family-friendly comedy featuring a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl. This Christmas story is sure to delight all ages, along with its 60-minute running time! This particular show runs for two weekends, so the whole family can enjoy it.

It’s hard to find entertainment the whole family can get excited about, so University of Northwestern Theatre has done the work for you. We’ve curated a season of shows with age recommendations and affordable prices while still offering the downtown quality that will wow all ages.

It’s time to bring a classic comic strip musical to Knight Performance Hall in the spring. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, is a sure-fire hit for young and older audiences alike. Yes, it’s based on characters created by Minnesota’s own cartoonist Charles M. Schulz and his comic strip Peanuts. Join us to relive reading “the funnies” in the newspaper and introduce a new generation to classic characters from the page to the stage.

For our final show, we’re excited to bring prolific playwright Max Bush back! (Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast) This time, instead of a fairy-tale adaptation, he is tackling Sherlock Holmes in two adventures!

This season has all of your favorites, and we do hope that you will enjoy the laughter, tears, spectacle, and pure entertainment from UNW Theatre this year!

Jennifer Hunter Artistic Director and Professor of Theatre

Embrace the artist in every student.

At University of Northwestern, we strive to embrace the artist in every student, foster the growth of the individual, and bring to light their creative gifts. I believe we glorify the ultimate Creator when we, in His likeness, create theatre to represent and mirror life. “God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold, loving and sensible.”—II Timothy 1:7

Romeo & Juliet

By William Shakespeare | Adapted, Created, & Directed by Jennifer Hunter

Romeo & Juliet

Our production of Romeo and Juliet is a captivating fusion of Shakespearean tragedy and fairy-tale charm, immersing the audience in a world of humans and fairies. This unique interpretation invites spectators to explore the themes of love, fate, and the power of enchantment in a whimsical and visually stunning setting.

Romeo & Juliet

Adults: $21

Students/Seniors: $18

Romeo & Juliet

Recommended Ages: 12+

Individual Tickets Available August 9, 2023

Sept. 7–9, 13–16, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 9 & 16, 2023 | 2:30 p.m.

Patsy Miller Studio Theater

Anastasia: The Musical

Book

by Terrance McNally, Music by Stephen Flaherty, & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens | Directed by Jennifer Hunter

Her past is a mystery. Her future is an adventure. Inspired by the beloved film, Anastasia transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. With favorites from the hit animated film, including “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” Anastasia is the spectacular new musical about discovering home, love, and family.

Premium Seating Adults: $25

Premium Seating Students/Seniors: $22

Standard Seating Adults: $21

Standard Seating Students/Seniors: $18

Recommended Ages: 6+

Individual Tickets Available September 13, 2023

Anastasia Anastasia Anastasia Anastasia Anastasia

Nov. 2–4, 9–11 2023 | 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 4 & 11, 2023 | 2:30 p.m.

Knight Performance Hall

Anastasia

Dec. 7–9, 12–16, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 9 & 16, 2023 | 2:30 p.m.

Patsy Miller Studio Theater

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

By Ken Ludwig

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

“’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait. A mouse is stirring… Before you can say “Merry Christmas,” we’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who visit the North Pole and just won’t take no for an answer. This show is definitely for children of all ages. (60-minute running time with no intermission)

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

Adults: $21

Students/Seniors: $18

Individual Tickets Available November 8, 2023

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

Recommended Ages: 4+

Feb. 22–24, 29, Mar. 1–2, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 24 & Mar. 2, 2024 | 2:30 p.m. Knight Performance Hall

Student Matinee Feb. 29 @ 1:00 p.m.