Prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of emotions and artistic brilliance as Kent State University School of Theatre and Dance presents a trio of mesmerizing performances. This year's lineup promises a vibrant mix of musicals, dance, and drama, starting with the enchanting 'The Wiz,' followed by the elegant 'Spring Faculty Dance Concert,' and concluding with the adventurous 'Men On Boats.' These performances showcase the creative prowess of artists and dancers, offering audiences an unforgettable journey through diverse artistic realms.

A Theatrical Journey: From the Magical Oz to Grand Canyon's Adventure

Kent State University is set to dazzle audiences with a trio of captivating performances. From the vibrant musical 'The Wiz' to the elegant Spring Faculty Dance Concert and the adventurous play 'Men On Boats,' the School of Theatre and Dance offers something for everyone. Each production promises to captivate audiences with unique storytelling and artistic expression. Join us as we explore the highlights of these unforgettable events and the remarkable talents behind them.

Unveiling the Extravaganza: Kent State's Theatrical and Dance Showcase

Kent State University School of Theatre and Dance is set to dazzle audiences in 2025 with a series of compelling performances that embrace diverse artistic expressions. From the spirited musical 'The Wiz' to the eloquent 'Spring Faculty Dance Concert', and the adventurous play 'Men On Boats', each event showcases a unique blend of creativity and storytelling. These productions promise to offer a feast for the senses, as students and faculty collaborate to bring these vivid stories to life.

Diverse Artistic Expressions Shine at Kent State University

Kent State University School of Theatre and Dance is set to dazzle audiences with an exciting line-up of performances that promise to enthrall art enthusiasts. From the lively rhythms of 'The Wiz' and the graceful movements of the Spring Faculty Dance Concert to the adventurous journey of 'Men On Boats', these events highlight the diverse talents and creativity of students and faculty. Join us as we delve into each event, exploring the rich narratives and artistic expressions that make them unmissable.

A Dynamic Showcase: Celebrating Music, Dance, and Theatre at Kent State University

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Spring Faculty Dance Concert

A beloved Broadway gem, "The Wiz" infuses L. Frank Baum’s "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel and soul music. This timeless tale of Dorothy’s adventures through the Land of Oz is a fun, family-friendly, modern musical.

The Wiz

Kent State University

This year’s fall concert focuses on the concept of “belonging;” a common struggle during these uncommon times. Four faculty members, Jennifer Black, Ambre Emory Maier, Catherine Meredith and Jeffrey Marc Rockland are joined by guest choreographer Kim Sulek. An iconic work by guest choreographer Michael Uthoff, several world premieres and the restaging of a contemporary musical theatre dance reflection all provide the audience with a joyous, thoughtful and inspiring entertainment experience.

Belonging Fall Faculty Dance Concert

Jane Austen's beloved novel comes to the stage in this exciting and moving new musical adaptation of "Pride & Prejudice." Set in 1800 England, this 2008 Richard Rodgers Award finalist musical tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters, who rebels against society's and her mother's wish that she must marry anyone, as long as he is rich. When she crosses paths with the rich and arrogant Mr. Darcy, a battle of wills ensues.

Pride & Prejudice – The Musical

Widely considered a masterpiece, this timeless classic challenges American ideas of power, intolerance and justice. In the Puritan community of Salem, Massachusetts, a servant girl accuses a farmer’s wife of witchcraft. One accusation spirals into many, uncovering a web of bigotry and deceit that changes their lives forever. Among the most produced plays since its 1953 debut, "The Crucible" is both a gripping historical drama and an evergreen parable of contemporary society.

The Crucible

This modern riff on the fifteenth-century morality play "Everyman" follows Everybody (chosen from amongst the cast by lottery at each performance) as they journey through life’s greatest mystery—the meaning of living.

Everybody

Join the Kent Dance Ensemble, Kent State University's pre-professional dance company, for an evening of choreography by acclaimed guest artists and performance by Kent State dance students.

On The Cusp Kent Dance Ensemble 2024

Set in the East Village of New York City, "Rent" is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, "Rent" has become a pop cultural phenomenon. with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.

RENT

This concert is comprised of works by six individual artists, unified as an ensemble on stage. Two works are by internationally renowned choreographers Micaela Taylor and Michael Uthoff. Two dances explore the magic of combining diverse dance genres to present an entirely new creation: Jennifer Black melds the forms of jazz and tap together, while Catherine Meredith and Samuel McIntosh fuse modern and hip-hop dance styles in their new innovative work. Rounding out the concert are two works that focus on relationships, connections, and support choreographed respectively by Catherine Meredith and Barbara Allegra Verlezza.

Dance '23 - One World

In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920's draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the "Cabaret." With the Emcee's bawdy songs as wry commentary, "Cabaret" explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin's natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally's boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish.

Cabaret

A fantasia inspired by E.M. Forster’s "A Passage to India," "Passage" is set in the fictional Country X, which is a neocolonial client of Country Y. B, a local doctor, and F, an expat teacher, begin to forge a friendship that is challenged after a fateful trip to a local attraction. A meditation on how power imbalances affect personal and interpersonal dynamics across a spectrum of situations, the play allows a director wide latitude in casting the roles by race, ethnicity, and gender, with different casting choices highlighting different societal structures.

Passage

Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. "Men On Boats" is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River.

Kent State University School of Theatre and Dance

18 - 27 Apr, 2025

Men On Boats

28 - 30 Mar, 2025

Spring Faculty Dance Concert

Feb 21 - Mar 2, 2025

The Wiz

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