Theatre and Dance - NMU Events and Announcements

Theatre and Dance

December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025

Composer & Lyricist: Johnny Marks

The beloved holiday classic comes to life on stage!

Straight from the screen and onto the stage, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™: The Musical brings the timeless TV special to life in a magical production full of heart and holiday cheer. Featuring classic songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” this family favorite includes all your treasured characters—Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and of course, Rudolph himself.

Shunned for his glowing red nose, Rudolph sets off on a journey to find a place where he truly belongs. Along the way, he meets other misfits with stories like his own—and discovers that being different is exactly what makes him special. When a fierce snowstorm threatens Christmas, it’s Rudolph’s uniqueness that lights the way and saves the day.

This heartwarming holiday musical is a joyful celebration of acceptance, friendship, and the courage to be yourself. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Rudolph reminds us that sometimes, the things that set us apart are the very things that make us shine.

Bring this uplifting tale to your stage—and let the spirit of the season soar!

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 80MINS | 15min Intermission

Theatre and Dance

This cult classic humorously pays homage to B movies from the science fiction and horror genres spanning the 1930s to the early 1960s. The plot follows a newly engaged couple who, after being caught in a storm, find themselves at the mansion of a flamboyant transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. There, they encounter his latest creation, Rocky—a Frankenstein-like figure who is a fully grown, physically perfect muscle man with blonde hair and a tan.

• Thursday, October 23rd | 7:30PM | Opening Night Party
• Friday, October 24th  | 7:30PM
• Friday, October 24th | 10:30PM
• Saturday, October 25th | 7:30PM
• Saturday, October 25th  | 10:30PM

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

MEANT FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1 HR 45 MINS | NO INTERMISSION

Theatre and Dance

We invite the young dancer in your family to apply for our Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Summer Dance Intensive! This year our transformative program offers a diverse range of classes including ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, composition, choreography/repertoire, conditioning, injury prevention and treatment which will culminate in a guest performance in the North Coast Dance Festival alongside Giordano Dance Chicago, Ballet Project OC, and the NMU CO/LAB Dance Company, and a final performance showcase! This intensive is perfect for dancers looking to hone in their skills, level up their performance, and make connections to the professional industry - we are here to help you grow! Participants will also get the chance to partake in exciting local activities throughout the week. There are options to attend for one or two weeks and this year we have opened enrollment to include those heading into 8th grade! Those participating in the second week will learn choreography for the Showcase from some of our guest instructors and NMU Faculty.

Dates: July 13-27, 2025
Week 1: Classes July 13-20: In week one students will be in classes from 9am-5pm honing in their dance skills!
Week 2: Workshops & Showcase July 20-27: In Week Two, students will build on the skills developed in Week One, culminating in an hour-long showcase performance. This exciting week also includes special sessions with renowned guest instructors:
 

• Nan Giordano – Artistic Director, Giordano Dance Chicago, leading a Giordano Jazz class
• Ally Helman – Artistic Director, Ballet Project OC, teaching Balanchine-style ballet technique
• Jimena Flores Sanchez – Former company member, Moulin Rouge National Tour, offering a Moulin Rouge dance workshop
• Adina Belanger – Choreographer for Just for Kix
• Meg Schneider – Certified Athletic Trainer and Dance Medicine Specialist (Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Chicago Bulls LuvaBulls Dance Team and 312 Crew)
• Aurelia Fure – Circus Artist, Actor, Aerialist

Location: Northern Michigan University - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Age: Students in 8th grade through current graduates from the class of 2025!

Further information and our free application can be found HERE! 

Please contact wpaa@nmu.edu for more information. Registration closes on Thursday, July 10 at 5:00PM.

Theatre and Dance

Giordano Dance Chicago Masterclass: July 23, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Forest Roberts Theatre Stage

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR DANCE PARTICIPATION REQUIRED BY 7/21/25. REGISTER HERE.

Please join NMU Theatre and Dance, North Coast Dance Festival, and the Siril Endowment for the Arts for a jazz dance class and talkback led by Nan Giordano of Giordano Dance Chicago on Wednesday, July 23rd from 6:30-8:00PM in the Forest Roberts Theatre! This class will be open to dancers ages 13 and up with at least 5 years of previous formal dance training or at least one year of formal university dance training. We welcome observers of any age into the theatre to experience the joy of the Giordano Technique! There is no fee for participation or observation of this class! Pre-registration for class participation will close on Monday, July 21st at 5:00PM EST. Class size is limited--registering early is encouraged.

Theatre and Dance

Join us for the 4th Annual North Coast Dance Festival, a spectacular celebration of dance! Professional dancers from across the country will gather alongside the NMU CO/LAB Dance Company for engaging educational experiences and mesmerizing performances. Don't miss this unforgettable event filled with grace, talent, and artistry.

We are thrilled to welcome Giordano Dance Chicago back this summer to perform two new, exciting jazz dance pieces choreographed by Al Blackstone and Ray Leeper. We will also welcome back Ballet Project OC, who will be performing the pas de deux from George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes and Ally Helman's Pitseleh. NMU's CO/LAB Dance Company will preview a new work by Karina Johnson set to the music of Johnny Cash.

This event is generously supported by the Siril Endowment for the Arts.

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 30MIN | 15min Intermission

Theatre and Dance

Lyrics by Tim Rice | Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

A thrilling rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years.

What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.

The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon and perfect pick for schools, community theaters and professionals alike, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.

MEANT FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS | 15min Intermission

• Thursday, April 10th, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Opening Night Party
• Friday, April 11th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Saturday, April 12th, 2025 | 1:00 PM | Theatre For All
• Saturday, April 12th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Thursday, April 17th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Friday, April 18th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Saturday, April 19th, 2025 | 1:00 PM
• Saturday, April 19th, 2025 | 7:30 PM

Theatre and Dance

Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience

A CO/LAB Dance Company Immersive Dance Experience

In a mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement, this performance transcends the stage, weaving through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape. With each twist and turn, the audience becomes an integral part of the performance, immersed in a magical journey beyond the confines of traditional theater. Much of this performance will take place with the audience moving around the space with the performers. Limited seating and wheelchair seating will be available.

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 45 MIN | NO INTERMISSION

Two showings per performance run: 7:30*PM and 9:30*PM (evening) and 1:00*PM and 3:00*PM (matinee)

*Venue opens to guests 20 minutes prior to each show time.

Note: This performance will take place off-campus at 145 W. Washington Street, 2nd Floor (906 Sports Bar Building, former Vera Bar location). Elevator access if available if needed, there is small step into the elevator access area).

Theatre and Dance

Join us for our NMU TD Kids Workshop - Home for the Holidays Experience, taking place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 7 — before our Home for the Holidays Saturday Matinee!

This workshop is for children of all ages. WPAA’s goal for NMU TD Kids is to provide a fun, interactive introduction to the world of theatre arts, specifically geared toward youth ages 4-12. The workshop will offer educational arts experiences from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tickets are $30.00 per child with an accompanying adult. 

Children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including art crafts, games, movement stories, and learning choreography from our Home for the Holidays performers!

To Note: No prior experience in dance, music, or theatre is needed to attend. We simply want youth to have fun while learning more about theatre arts. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite dance attire or a fun holiday outfit that allows them to move and create art!

Event Schedule:

• 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Workshop stations and light refreshments will be set up throughout the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby, offering opportunities for youth to engage in ornament making, snowflake creation, gift bag design, and photo ops with our performers!

• 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Movement story time will take place onstage inside the theatre. Youth are highly encouraged to participate! We ask that children wear socks or “inside only” dance-specific shoes for this portion of the event.

• Following the event, from 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. A very special guest will be available for photo opportunities in the lobby. Families are encouraged to stick around to take photos before the performance.

Theatre and Dance

An original theatrical performance unfolds...

Where NMU students, infused with song and dance, get ready to journey home for the holidays. Prior to their departure for the break, they convene to share tales of their diverse family customs - from spirited sleigh rides with cousins, to uproarious family feasts, to enchanting trips to NYC to witness the dazzling lights.

This season, we're bringing extra magic to Home for the Holidays—Santa Claus will be visiting the FRT lobby one hour before each performance! ✨

Bring the whole family to enjoy a festive photo op with jolly ol' Saint Nick, share your holiday wishes, and get into the spirit before the show starts. Santa will be there to greet you, spread some cheer, and create lasting memories!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 20 MIN | 15min Intermission

Upcoming Performances

• Thursday, December 5th, 2024 | 7:30 PM | Opening Night Party 
• Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 7:30 PM
• Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 1:00 PM | Theatre For All
• Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 7:30 PM
• Thursday, December 12th, 2024 | 7:30 PM
• Friday, December 13th, 2024 | 7:30 PM
• Saturday, December 14th 2024 | 1:00PM
• Saturday, December 14th, 2024 | 7:30 PM

Theatre and Dance

The Rocky Horror Show

This cult classic humorously pays homage to B movies from the science fiction and horror genres spanning the 1930s to the early 1960s. The plot follows a newly engaged couple who, after being caught in a storm, find themselves at the mansion of a flamboyant transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. There, they encounter his latest creation, Rocky—a Frankenstein-like figure who is a fully grown, physically perfect muscle man with blonde hair and a tan.

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

MEANT FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1 HR 45 MINS | 

Upcoming Performances

• Thursday, October 24th | 7:30 PM
• Friday, October 25th  | 7:30 PM
• Friday, October 25th | 10:30PM 
• Saturday, October 26th | 7:30PM
• Saturday, October 26th | 10:30PM

Note:  This production is a fundraiser.  Flex Passes/Season Tickets may not be used for this performance.