Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

In the wild swamps of Louisiana, Wiley lives with his Mammy. Wiley wants to spend his time as carefree as possible—playing with Dog, sleeping when he wants, learning a bit of magic from Mammy. But after a nightmare and an argument, Wiley is sent to the swamp where he encounters the Hairy Man. The big, bad boogie man of the swamp, the Hairy Man got his Daddy. Will he get Wiley too? More

An electrifying fusion of film, dance and music, Taj Express is an international sensation that captures the expressive spirit of Bollywood movies that have been entertaining billions of people for generations. A feast for the eyes and ears, this pulsating production featuring nearly 30 performers donning over 2,000 costumes will have you dancing in the aisles! More

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One of the great novels of the 20th century—George Orwell’s 1984—is brought to life in an evocative and timely production by the acclaimed Aquila Theatre. Written more than 70 years ago, 1984 envisions a future dystopia where people are under constant control and surveillance by the government. How does Orwell’s nightmare compare to today’s society? Aquila’s “classically trained modernly hip troupe” (The New York Times) explores this question and more in this page-to-stage cautionary classic. More

When newly-engaged Abigail and Carver receive DNA tests as a wedding gift, they interrogate what it means to marry someone of a different race. As they grapple with their identities from midnight to dawn, family legends and stories interrupt their idealized future together. Can Abigail and Carver overcome the past and forge a new story together? This world premiere features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. More

A captivating crew of storytelling musicians bring Oscar Wilde’s classic fairy tales to life in Tall Stories’ new show, Wilde Creatures, a fantastical journey through palaces, forests and beyond direct from London’s West End. Founded in 1997, England’s Tall Stories is internationally recognized for its exciting blend of storytelling, original music, and laughs. More

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Be swept away by the romance of hot Latin breezes in this enchanting evening of scenes and arias from your favorite operas! JMU Opera Theater students will perform songs from Massenet’s Don Quixote and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, “Granada” and “Tico-Tico no fubá,” as well as others by Granados, Rodrigo, and more. Join the cast members for Latin-inspired desserts and coffee in the lobby following the performance! More

Violet and Daisy Hilton shared a rare bond: they were literally attached at the hip. The conjoined twins are the real-life inspiration behind the 2014 Broadway musical revival Side Show, which follows the story of the English entertainers and their search for love and acceptance amidst exploitation and fame in the 1930s’ side show, vaudeville and Hollywood communities. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance and School of Music. More

Swiss-based theatre troupe MUMMENSCHANZ has been dazzling audiences worldwide for over four decades, pioneering a mesmerizing and joy-filled form of visual theatre. It latest program, you & me, is a visually-stunning spectacle featuring life-size puppets, masked characters and awe-inspiring optical illusions. More

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Brimming with a lush score, compelling plot and brilliant wit, the hilarious and satirical operetta Iolanthe is a send up to Gilbert and Sullivan’s topsy-turvy world of misalliances, contradictions, and English political peculiarities. Passions are ignited, lovers are thwarted and then reunited, and in true G&S style, irreconcilable differences vanish with a pencil stroke and the wave of the Fairy Queen’s magic wand. More

In the apocalyptic play The Hungry Woman, feminist author and Chicano playwright Cherríe Moraga uses mythology and intimate realism to describe the embattled position of Chicanos and Chicanas, not only in the United States but in relation to one another. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. More

After a full day of fun adventures at school and the store, Baby Llama can’t wait to put on his red pajamas. But where’s Mama? This hilarious new musical will warm every Llama and Llama Mama’s heart. Wear your pajamas and join us for a pre-show reception and crafts at 6 pm! Founded in 2004, Bay Area Children’s Theatre reaches 125,000 children and adults per year in the San Francisco Bay Area. More

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