The Philadelphia Story

By Philip Barry

Not all great American plays have to be serious, and to prove that State University Theatre is staging Philip Barry’s suave and scintillating romantic comedy: The Philadelphia Story. The 1939 vehicle that was created for Katherine Hepburn is even wittier and bolder on stage than in the film version we all adore. Tracy Lord is about to marry Husband Number Two, but as a member of the upper echelons of Philadelphia Society, inquiring minds want the inside scoop. Enter a pair of nosey journalists, a meddling younger sister, and Husband Number One, to turn her hopes for a new lease on life into a potential fiasco. The convergence of fame, fortune, scandal and relationships lead to Tracy Lord’s discovery that marriage is not only at the convenience of the married, but is truly a partnership of minds. This classic three-act comedy is directed by Callie Hisek.

Doner Auditorium

October 15-18, 7:30pm

Matinee: October 19, 2:00pm

 

Scrooge

Book, Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

J.D. Ackman directs the ideal holiday treat—Leslie Bricusse’s spectacular musical extravaganza, Scrooge! Audiences will enjoy this heartwarming family story based on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. The show opens on a London street with merry townspeople gathering to celebrate the joys of Christmas. Their holiday spirit is soon crushed as Ebenezer Scrooge calls from his counting house with cries of “Humbug!” Scrooge, the ever-greedy and foul-tempered tyrant, rains unhappiness down on everyone. After the life-changing visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge changes his ways. With memorable songs like “Father Christmas” and “Thank You Very Much,” Scrooge! is a must see show for the whole family this holiday season.

Doner Auditorium

December 3-6, 7:30pm

Matinee: December 6-7, 2:00pm

 

 

 

 

Blood Brothers

Book, Music and Lyrics by Willy Russell

Following sell out seasons in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers comes to SDSU. Written by the legendary Willy Russell, Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins boys, separated at birth, who grow up in opposite ends of the social spectrum. A single mother, Mrs. Johnstone gives away one of her new-born sons in financial desperation and attempts to keep them from discovering one another’s true identity. The boys eventually meet and decide to be best friends. Audience follows Michael and Edward as they grow into manhood and defy Mrs. Lyons’ efforts to keep them separated due to the superstition that the twins may die if they ever find out they are actually brothers. Audiences will love the enthralling story of Blood Brothers, and the roller coaster of emotions it takes them on. Ray Peterson directs this musical, hailed as one of the best!

 

Fishback Studio Theatre, Performing Arts Center

February 18-21; 25-28, 7:30pm

Matinee: February 22, 2:00pm

 

 

 

Lysistrata

By Aristophanes

Aristophanes’ Lysistrata is a classic Greek comedy that has as much impact today as it did when it was first produced thousands of years ago. Led by the title character, the story’s female characters barricade the Acropolis and withhold conjugal relations from their husbands to end the Peloponnesian War and secure peace. The women are tired of losing their husbands and sons to the war. Sometime later, the men begin to show up at the Acropolis desperately wanting their women to come home. Hilarity ensues when the women hold strong to their sex strike while the men grow more and more desperate. This ancient comedy with modern themes is directed by J. D. Ackman.

Doner Auditorium

April 22-25, 7:30pm

Matinee: April 26, 2:00pm