The 2024-25 season at The Little Theatre, on the campus of Central Methodist University, begins next month with the first of six featured shows for the academic year.
Curtain times for evening productions this year will be 7 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. Sunday matinee performances will begin at 1:30 p.m. The scheduled shows for the season are as follows:
The Drowsy Chaperone, October 9-11 and 13
With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.
Based on the book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, the show will be directed by Dr. Mark Kelty, professor of theatre.
Charlotte’s Web, November 13-17
The most enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be “a true friend and a good writer.” Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the "miracle" of her web in which she writes, "Some pig." It's the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte.
Based on the book by E.B. White and adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette, the Little Theatre production will be directed by guest director Kasey Lynch. Performances on November 13-15 will be school day matinees presented for elementary schools in the region, while the November 16-17 shows will be open to the public at the usual times.
Student-Directed Scenes, December 4-7
The students taking the directing techniques class at Central will present a slate of one-act shows as the culmination of their class activities. Admission to this bonus event will be free to all.
Hansel & Gretel, February 13 and 15
In Engelbert Humperdinck's operatic retelling of the classic Grimm Brothers fairytale, Hansel and Gretel find themselves lost in the haunted Ilsenstein forest, where they encounter sandmen, dew fairies, and gingerbread children. Will they be able to defeat the evil Witch, rescue the imprisoned children, and find their way back safely to their mother and father? Come to the Little Theatre to witness this beautiful, fun, family-friendly story.
This opera by Engelbert Humperdinck will be sung in English by the CMU performers and directed by Dr. Jonathan Ray, associate professor of music.
Student-Written Ten-Minute Play Festival, February 27-March 2
CMU students will stage their original ten-minute plays in workshop format for public comment and discussion. John Cariani, author of Almost, Maine and Love/Sick, both of which have been presented at The Little Theatre, will be on hand for one of the performances to provide commentary and feedback to the students. He will also deliver the Geist-Yancey Lecture.
She Kills Monsters, April 23-26
Take a comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games in this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ’90s pop culture. Acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
Dr. Kelty will direct this final show of the season.
For CMU main stage productions, tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for CMU faculty and staff, and $5 for seniors and non-CMU students. CMU students are admitted for free with ID. Check with the box office at 660-248-6281 for details.