2024-2025 NMU Theatre and Dance Season
JOIN US AFTER EACH OPENING NIGHT FOR OUR OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION!
Wildcat Theatre Follies
September 5-6
A Celebration of NMU's Brightest Stars
We’re back, Wildcats! Enjoy a beginning-of-the-year showcase of our freshman and sophomore theatre and dance students featuring a collection of scenes, songs, monologues, and dance pieces.
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 30MINS
Cabaret
October 3-5 and 10-12
Book by Joe Masteroff | Music by John Kander | Lyrics by Ed Kebb
Daring, provocative and exuberantly entertaining, Cabaret explores the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.
In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920's draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee's bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin's natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally's boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish.
FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE
MEANT FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS | 15min Intermission
The Rocky Horror Show
October 24-26
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Richard O'Brien
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, INTENSE ADULT THEMES AND LANGUAGE | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1 HR 45 MINS
Frankenstein
October 31 - November 2 and 7-9
Adapted by Alastar Dimitrie. Set in the icy polar regions where scientist Victor Frankenstein has chased the creature he brought to life, this highly theatrical and emotional play traces Frankenstein's path to the final confrontation with his intelligent, articulate, sensitive, and powerfully violent child.
PANOWSKI BLACK BOX THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS | 12min Intermission
Home for the Holidays
December 5-7, 12-14
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!
FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE
FAMILY-FRIENDLY | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2 HRS | 15min Intermission
Holiday Soirée
December 11th (6PM-10PM)
Join us for a festive evening to celebrate the holiday season with the inaugural NMU Theatre and Dance Holiday Soirée. This special event will support Theatre and Dance Student Scholarships. Indulge in a Holiday buffet to kick off the evening and be enchanted by holiday performances presented by our talented theatre and dance students. Plus, a special visit from Santa Claus himself! It's a night of seasonal entertainment, delectable treats, and holiday cheer. Don't miss out on this magical celebration for student scholarships.
PANOWSKI BLACK BOX THEATRE
FAMILY-FRIENDLY | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1 HR 30 MINS
Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience
January 30-February 1 and February 6-8
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 (8-10 chairs on the periphery of the performance space) and wheelchair seating will be available.
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 45 MIN
Two showings per performance run: 7:30*PM and 9:30*PM (evening) and 1:00*PM and 3:00*PM (matinee)
Note: This performance will take place off-campus at 145 W. Washington Street, 2nd Floor. Elevator access is available if needed.
*Venue opens to guests 30 minutes prior to each show time.
Here, the extraordinary is commonplace, the rules of reality are bent and twisted, and your senses will be swept away in the curious currents of the unexpected. You are about to enter a very special place—Wonderland. Here, time bends, logic is upended, and the only thing more wondrous than what you’ll see is the journey you’ll take through this fantastical realm.
You will embark on an immersive promenade experience, a unique journey where you are not only an observer but a part of the unfolding story. The dancers—our residents of Wonderland—will move through and around you, drawing you into their world with every step, every gesture, every glance.
As you make your way through the performance space, you will witness the madness of the White Rabbit, the enigmatic Cheshire Cat, the temperamental Queen of Hearts, and the curious Alice herself. But remember, Wonderland is a place where things are never quite what they seem, and it is not a world to be touched or tampered with. As you prepare for your adventure down the rabbit hole, we thought some advance information might help you prepare:
- Parking: Parking is available in the Downtown parking garage, the Marquette Commons parking lot, or in the Main Street parking lot.
- Event Entrance: You will enter Wonderland on Washington Street (145 W. Washington Street, 906 Sports Bar building) either through the elevator entrance under the red awning (please note that there is a step up into the elevator entrance, exit on Floor #2) or the doors next door (take one flight of stairs up to the first door). There will be Alice in Wonderland signage to help guide you! To ensure an inclusive and comfortable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that if you are able to take the stairs, please do so. This will allow patrons who rely on the elevator to access it with ease. The performance space will open 30 minutes prior to each showing. Should you arrive early, we encourage you to visit the 906 Sports Bar and Grill (on the 3rd floor) or another of our fantastic downtown businesses.
- Ticketing: There will be ticket scanners as you enter the performance on the 2nd floor from both the stairway and the elevator. If another member of your party needs to purchase tickets on-site, they may visit the Mad Tea Party bar (though we encourage advance purchase if possible).
- Once you have entered Wonderland: Feel free to explore! You are welcome to take pictures and videos before the performance begins! Our design team has created a world that is waiting for curious wanderers like you! We will have a cash bar with a limited selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages that will be served either in cans or covered cups for the safety of our performers. The bar will be open before and during the show, with the exception of the Mad Tea Party. Beverages purchased in Wonderland must stay in Wonderland. Our APO National Theatre Honors Society will host a donation-based coat-check in the venue.
- Being Immersed: This performance is best experienced immersed in the show. There will be no assigned seats, but limited seating will be available for those who require it. There will only be eight to 10 chairs set up on the periphery of the performance space.
- Once the performance begins: The dancers are your guides through this experience. While they may pass close to you, interact with the space around you, and invite you into the unfolding story, it is imperative that you respect the boundaries of their performance. Do not touch, speak to, or disrupt the dancers in any way while they are in character. Also, as the dancers move through the space, you may be guided to step aside or reposition yourself. Please follow their gentle guidance and let them move freely. They are there to guide you into the right spaces and to ensure that everyone is a part of the experience.
After the performance: Once the performance has ended we ask that you say your final goodbyes to Wonderland and safely exit the performance space. To ensure an inclusive and comfortable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that if you are able to take the stairs, please do so. This will allow patrons who rely on the elevator to access it with ease. As a reminder, beverages purchased in Wonderland must be consumed in Wonderland. We hope that you enjoy your time in Wonderland and that you share your experience with your friends! Please feel free to tag NMU Theatre and Dance and NMU CO/LAB Dance Company in your social media posts.
Much Ado About Nothing
February 20-22, 27-28, March 1
From the Director: Let's go to deer camp, eh? With Shakespeare! Yah, sure, you betcha.
Written by William Shakespeare, adapted by Jimmy Ludwig (Director)
The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war of words between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice often takes center stage.
Set in Messina, the play begins as Don Pedro’s army returns after a victory. Benedick, a gentleman soldier, resumes a verbal duel with Beatrice, the niece of Messina’s governor, Leonato. Count Claudio is smitten by Leonato’s daughter, Hero. After Don Pedro woos her in disguise for Claudio, the two young lovers plan to marry in a week. To fill in the time until the wedding, Don Pedro and the others set about tricking Benedick and Beatrice into falling in love with each other. Meanwhile, Don Pedro’s disgruntled brother, Don John, plots to ruin Hero and halt her wedding. Claudio believes Don John’s deception, is convinced Hero has a lover, and, at the wedding, brutally rejects her.
With Hero in hiding and falsely reported dead, Beatrice persuades Benedick to fight Claudio. Tragedy is averted when the bumbling city watch, having discovered Don John’s treachery, arrives and clears Hero’s name. With Claudio forgiven, both couples are ready to get married.
PANOWSKI BLACK BOX THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS 15MINS | 12min Intermission
30 Years Later: Remembering Haywire
Part of NMU's 125th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, April 4 at 7:30PM
In the spring of 1995, the Forest Roberts Theatre’s production of Haywire achieved national acclaim, being selected as one of only five productions—out of more than 900 submissions—to perform at the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. This original musical, depicting life in an 1880s logging camp, was penned by NMU theatre professor Dr. Shelley Russell, with an original score composed by NMU music professor Dr. Rob Engelhart.
As part of NMU’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, the NMU Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with the Department of Communication and Media Studies, will commemorate the 30th anniversary of this distinguished production. Join us on Friday, April 4, at 7:30 PM in 1100 Jamrich Hall for a special program that will honor the creators and feature selected scenes and musical numbers from the production by alumni and current students. We welcome the NMU and Upper Peninsula community to share in this evening of storytelling, music, and celebration.
The event is a fundraiser for the NMU students selected to compete in this year’s American College Theatre’s regional showcases. Tickets are Pay as you May and are available now at tickets.nmu.edu.
1100 JAMRICH HALL
RUN TIME: TBD
Jesus Christ Superstar
April 10-12, 17-19
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.
FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE
MEANT FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS | 15min Intermission
Theatre and Dance Senior Showcase
April 25
One night only! Join us in celebrating the work of our graduating seniors during this culminating showcase-style performance!
Please note that this production contains adult themes, strong language, and mature subject matter. While these elements are thoughtfully presented as part of the students’ artistic exploration and growth, the content may not be suitable for younger audiences.
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 15MIN | No Intermission
NMU Theatre and Dance Alumni and James Awards
Nominations are now open for the NMU Theatre and Dance Alumni Awards!
Celebrate the achievements of a fellow Wildcat by nominating them for a Theatre and Dance Alumni Award. These awards recognize alumni at all career stages who have achieved excellence in Theatre, Dance, and Entertainment Arts. As we prepare to welcome our second class of honorees this spring, we encourage you to nominate a fellow alumnus or yourself for one of the award categories.
The deadline to nominate is February 21, 2025. The winners will be announced on February 28, 2025, and the awards celebration will take place April 26, 2025.
All shows are part of the Flex Pass Season.
2025 North Coast Theatre and Dance Festival
Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin
May 15-17
2025 Panowski Playwriting Award Winner!
When Soso, a soldier left for dead on the Eastern Front, is pulled from the brink of death by the Kremlin, his fate takes a shocking turn. With an uncanny resemblance to one of the most feared men in history—Joseph Stalin—he is thrust into a dangerous game of impersonation. Enter Koba: a man who knows the mind and body of the dictator better than anyone. Tasked with transforming Soso into the perfect double, Koba trains him for the most perilous role of a lifetime.
PANOWSKI BLACK BOX THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 90 Min
Drag Cabaret
May 29-30
A Pride Celebration Event!
Join NMU Theatre and Dance for a drag cabaret to start Pride Month! Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Marquette and beyond as performers make the stage their own.
PANOWSKI BLACK BOX THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS | 15min Intermission
Love Letters
June 26-28
A unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, “needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines, and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.”
The piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down.
Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good schools.” While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years—physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.
FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 45MIN | 15min Intermission
North Coast Dance Festival
Masterclass July 23, Performances July 24-25
4th Annual Dance Festival
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 pieces choreographed by Al Blackstone and Ray Leeper.
This event is generously supported by the Siril Endowment for the Arts.
FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 1HR 15MIN | 15min Intermission
All shows are part of the Flex Pass Season.