University Theatre announces 2017-18 season

Contact: Deanne Puca

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—University Theatre at Western Michigan University has announced its 2017-18 season.

Season passes and single tickets for shows scheduled through December are on sale now. Order by calling (269) 387-6222.

Post art: WMU Theatre 2017-18 season, A Time for Theatre.

2017-18 SEASON

"Waiting to be Invited," Sept. 22 through Oct. 8

It's the summer of 1964 in Atlanta, and four middle-aged black women are traveling by city bus to a "whites only" eating establishment inside a downtown Atlanta department store. Their purpose is to "test" their newly acquired civil rights handed down by the Supreme Court outlawing segregation in eating establishments. This touching play tells the story of these brave women as they prepare for their date with destiny at a forbidden lunch counter.

"The Witches of Eastwick," Oct. 6-15

Three sexy witches and one lucky devil make a regional musical debut at WMU. Based on the blockbuster movie of the same name, "The Witches of Eastwick" tells the story of three modern witches in the New England town of Eastwick, where nothing ever changes. Tired of the daily doldrums of martinis and brownies, the three women use powers they never knew they had to create the man of their dreams—and they get more than they bargained for.

"The Crucible," Oct. 27 through Nov. 5

This Tony Award-winning drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. The story focuses on a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wife's arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie, and it is here that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is depicted.

"The Game's Afoot," Nov. 10-19

Danger and hilarity are nonstop in this glittering holiday whodunit. It is December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette is admired by the world for his leading role in the play, "Sherlock Holmes." He has invited his cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it's up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears.

"Next Stop, Broadway" Nov. 30 through Dec. 2

Join the graduating seniors of WMU's music theatre performance program for a cabaret evening of New York show tunes with guest star Stephen Wallem.

"Lucky Stiff," Jan. 26 through Feb. 11

"Lucky Stiff" is an offbeat, hilarious, murder-mystery musical farce. Tony Award-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's first musical is packed with mistaken identities, $6 million in diamonds and a corpse in a wheelchair. When Harry Witherspoon is forced to take the embalmed body of his recently murdered uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo, his mission to secure his inheritance is thrown off course by a host of quirky musical characters looking to steal his fortune.

"Angels in America: Millennium Approaches," Feb. 9-18

Set in 1980s in New York City, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play explores the Reagan era, American history, the AIDS epidemic, sexuality, love, death, religion and the meaning of community. University Theatre will present only Part One: Millennium Approaches.

Larry David's "Fish in the Dark," March 16-25

Told through the lens of comic genius Larry David, the creator of "Seinfeld," this side-splitting comedy centers on Norman Drexel, who was originally portrayed by Larry David himself, coping with a death in the family. As the family patriarch is dying and assorted family members come to pay their last respects, they squabble over everything from which son will have to take care of mom to who gets dad's Rolex watch. As Norman deals with loss, old acquaintances and unsettled arguments resurface with hilarious consequences.

"Jesus Christ Superstar," April 6-15

The University Theatre is excited to welcome back 2016 "Next Stop, Broadway" guest Patrick Cassidy to direct Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic rock opera recounting the last days of Jesus Christ.

For more information, visit wmich.edu/theatre/time-theatre or call (269) 387-6222.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.