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Big Fish

Book by John August
Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Based on the Novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August
Originally produced on Broadway by Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen and Stage Entertainment with Roy Furman, Broadway Across America/Rich Entertainment Group, John Domo, The Nederlander Organization and Edward Walson in association with CJ E&M, Dancing Elephant Productions, Parrothead Productions, Harvey Weinstein/Carole L. Haber, Peter May/Jim Fantaci, Ted Liebowitz/Joe Piacentile and Columbia Pictures.

TUE-SUN, FEB 25-MAR 2
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Big Fish

Book by John August
Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Based on the Novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August
Originally produced on Broadway by Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen and Stage Entertainment with Roy Furman, Broadway Across America/Rich Entertainment Group, John Domo, The Nederlander Organization and Edward Walson in association with CJ E&M, Dancing Elephant Productions, Parrothead Productions, Harvey Weinstein/Carole L. Haber, Peter May/Jim Fantaci, Ted Liebowitz/Joe Piacentile and Columbia Pictures.

TUE-SUN, FEB 25-MAR 2
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Contains haze. Presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide.  www.theatricalrights.com Contains haze.
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The Vanishing Elephant

Produced by Cahoots NI

FRI, MAR 7
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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The Vanishing Elephant

Produced by Cahoots NI

FRI, MAR 7
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Inspired by true events, The Vanishing Elephant, an incredible story of resilience and friendship, comes to life through large-scale puppetry, illusion, and magic. Recommended for ages 8 and up.Contains moments of human mistreatment of animal puppets that can prompt further discussion. Video
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The Antipodes

By Annie Baker

TUE-SUN, APR 1-6
 STUDIO THEATRE

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The Antipodes

By Annie Baker

TUE-SUN, APR 1-6
 STUDIO THEATRE


Annie Baker is a Pulitzer Prize-winner and one of America’s most provocative playwrights. Her 2019 play, Antipodes, delivers a surreal writer’s room, a #MeToo premonition, and a many-layered meditation on storytelling.Contains sexual content and adult language. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
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Idomeneo

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Giambattista Varesco

Featuring the JMU Opera Theater

SAT-SUN, APR 5-6
 CONCERT HALL

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Idomeneo

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Giambattista Varesco

Featuring the JMU Opera Theater

SAT-SUN, APR 5-6
 CONCERT HALL


Written when Mozart was only 25, this operatic masterpiece filled with stunning arias, choruses, and ensembles, brings the myth of Idomeneo to life. On his way home at last from the Trojan War, the King of Crete, Idomeneo, is shipwrecked at sea. In desperation, he promises to sacrifice the first creature he finds if he safely survives the storm. However, in a twist worthy of the greatest Greek tragedies, it is his son, Idamante, he first encounters along the beach. Sung in Italian with English Surtitles.

Before each performance, JMU Director of Opera Theatre Joshua Borths will share his insights about the work, starting one hour before curtain and lasting 30 minutes. 

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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.

Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine. Originally produced on Broadway by Davis Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Barrington Stage Company, and Second Stage Theatre.

Based upon C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, an original play by The Farm.

The Barrington Stage Company workshop of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was originally co-directed by Michael Barakiva and Rebecca Feldman.

SAT-TUE, APR 12-15
 STUDIO THEATRE

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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.

Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine. Originally produced on Broadway by Davis Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Barrington Stage Company, and Second Stage Theatre.

Based upon C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, an original play by The Farm.

The Barrington Stage Company workshop of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was originally co-directed by Michael Barakiva and Rebecca Feldman.

SAT-TUE, APR 12-15
 STUDIO THEATRE


The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award-winning musical comedy about a group of pre-teenagers competing in a spelling bee. The story follows the contestants as they navigate the pressures of the tournament, share personal stories, and learn that there’s more to life than winning. This show is directed and produced by JMU students.  Contains adult language and sexual content.  Parental discretion is advised. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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Reduced Shakespeare Company

All the Great Books (abridged)

WED, APR 16
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Reduced Shakespeare Company

All the Great Books (abridged)

WED, APR 16
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


The literary canon explodes as the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) once again unleashes a comic outrage on an unsuspecting public. The Bad Boys of Abridgment take audiences on a roller-coaster ride through a compact compendium of the world’s great books in All The Great Books (abridged). It's a blast of bibliography! RSC shows contain some occasional bawdy language and mild innuendo, so they rate their shows PG- 13: Pretty Good If You’re Thirteen. ​​  Video
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The Trail To Oregon

Music and Lyrics by Jeff Blim
Book by Nick Lang, Matt Lang, Brian Holden, and Jeff Blim
Arranged by Clark Baxtresser and Pierce Siebers 
Originally produced by StarKid Productions

WED-SAT, APR 23-26
 STUDIO THEATRE

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The Trail To Oregon

Music and Lyrics by Jeff Blim
Book by Nick Lang, Matt Lang, Brian Holden, and Jeff Blim
Arranged by Clark Baxtresser and Pierce Siebers 
Originally produced by StarKid Productions

WED-SAT, APR 23-26
 STUDIO THEATRE


Join our all-American family as they travel down the Trail To Oregon! After their farm burns down, Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, and Grandpa take the journey through this adult comedy musical to the promised land where their new lives begin. Along the way, they face plenty of obstacles from snake bites, to dysentery, and even the notorious Bandit King! With the audience there to guide the Wagon Party along their adventure, no two shows will ever be the same! This show is directed and produced by JMU students. Contains adult language, adult content, sexual content and gun violence. 

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{re}written

An original devised production created and performed by students in collaboration with faculty from the JMU School of Theatre and Dance.

TUE-SUN, APR 29-MAY 4
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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{re}written

An original devised production created and performed by students in collaboration with faculty from the JMU School of Theatre and Dance.

TUE-SUN, APR 29-MAY 4
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


What if you could change a single memory—alter it, recall it, or erase it entirely? The Lethe Memory Project invites a select group of individuals to experience a groundbreaking new product that allows them to manipulate their memories in ways never before possible. Through a dynamic blend of text, movement, and music, {re}written delves into the profound impact memory has on our identity and the way our past shapes who we are. What happens when we tamper with our memories? Can altering or removing them truly change us for the better? Or will we lose something essential in the process? Prepare for a thrilling journey of discovery. Contains adult language, adult content, partial nudity, and strobe lights.  Parental discretion advised.

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