Forest Roberts Theatre - NMU Events and Announcements

Forest Roberts Theatre

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

Forest Roberts Theatre

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

Forest Roberts Theatre

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.

Forest Roberts Theatre

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

Forest Roberts Theatre

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

Forest Roberts Theatre

This year's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition will be held on Thursday, February 20th, 2025. Forrest Roberts Theater. 1:00pm-3:00pm.  If you are unable to make it in person, please consider joining by Zoom! (Zoom Link will be shared when available.)

Each candidate is limited to three minutes and one static PowerPoint slide to aid in the presentation of their thesis research. Students must be actively enrolled in a graduate program and must present original research. Prizes are offered for winners!

All graduate students can sign up today on NMU's Three Minute Thesis webpage. An informational workshop will be held on February 12 to answer questions for participants at any stage of the thesis process.

Forest Roberts Theatre

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

Forest Roberts Theatre

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. 

Forest Roberts Theatre

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is excited to announce a performance by the folk-jazz fusion group, American Patchwork Quartet. The performance will take place on Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Forest Roberts Theatre. 

Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.nmu.edu. 
General Public - $20 adv./$22 door; NMU Students & under 18 - $10 adv./$12 door.

American Patchwork Quartet (APQ) is on a mission to reclaim the immigrant soul of American Roots Music. Comprised of four highly acclaimed artists, APQ showcases the dynamic diversity of contemporary culture by reimagining timeless songs from America's past.

American Patchwork Quartet (APQ), led by multi-Grammy award-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation. APQ’s sound is a masterful confluence of tradition and innovation, transcending culture, politics, and ideology.

You can view videos of the group performing here.

Forest Roberts Theatre

By popular demand, the Beaumier Heritage Concert Series will be bringing the Scottish folk-rock group, Skerryvore, back to Northern Michigan University. Skerryvore will be playing Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Forest Roberts Theatre. This concert is also part of the annual Winter Roots Festival, which is co-sponsored by the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival, and the Ore Dock Brewing Company. Tickets for the concert are available at the Berry Center ticket office or online at nmu.universitytickets.com. 

Ticket prices: General Public - $20 advance/$22 door; NMU Students and under 18 - $10 advance/$12 door. 

What is Skerryvore? They’re like no one else. Epic of melody, intimate of feeling, and plugged into the roots of Scotland but blasting out to the world. 

Three-time winners of Scotland’s ‘Live Act of the Year’ award, Skerryvore have evolved from their humble beginnings to become one of the country’s leading forces in a thriving live music scene. At the forefront of a movement that has reinvented and reignited a traditional Scottish scene for a modern, multicultural audience, the band has brought their high-energy performances to audiences across the globe. From their early days in Scottish West Coast halls and bars to festival crowds in the USA, Canada, Australia, and throughout the UK and Europe, Skerryvore’s wide range of influences and talent produce a musically expansive, immersive yet intimate set that excites and captivates audiences.

With a mix of bagpipes, fiddles, accordions, and whistles, alongside guitar and vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums, and keys, Skerryvore represents the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music. Their now 7 studio albums demonstrate the wide range of influences the individual musicians bring to the mix – a unique fusion of folk, trad, pop, and rock.

Three singles from the latest album ‘Tempus’, released in April 2023, all featured on the BBC Radio 2 new music playlist, and the album went to number 1 in both the Official Scottish Album and UK Folk Albums charts and entered the top 40 in the Official UK Charts. Skerryvore took their Tempus Tour to audiences across the UK, Europe, and the USA, with their unique fusion appealing to a wider mix of age groups and tastes.

“Skerryvore have crafted a world beating fusion, which takes pride in their heritage and above all else is a pure joy to listen to.” – Folk Radio UK 

“The highest rated show we have ever had on our post-concert surveys… people LOVED the show.” – Anchorage Concert Association, ALASKA 

“Such a fresh, real, new sound… I love it” – Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2 UK 

“Skerryvore has evolved to become one of Scotland’s greatest musical exports.” – Wickham Festival, ENGLAND