The 2024-2025 season for Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre will offer stories that confront uncomfortable truths and challenge the status quo with this year’s theme “Insiders & Outsiders.” The season will highlight the department’s commitment to presenting diverse stories, from thought-provoking dramas to an absurd comedy.

The 2024-2025 season kicks off Sept. 19-22 with the new musical, “In Pieces,” which will be workshopped under the guidance of a Broadway-caliber director, providing a unique learning experience for student actors and backstage creatives. Also included in this year’s season is a protest performance, courtroom drama, Thanksgiving-themed production, improv performances, a musical, and a dark, absurd comedy.

The following are all the productions included in the 2024-2024 Department of Theatre season. For more information on each production or for tickets, visit the Wharton Center for Performing Arts website.

In Pieces

Sept. 19–22, 2024
Pasant Theatre            

Presented in partnership with the MSUFCU Institute for Arts & Creativity at Wharton Center, this new musical by acclaimed musical theatre and pop songwriter Joey Contreras is guest directed by Emily Maltby, a New York City-based theatre director, choreographer, and writer.

“In Pieces” is an anthology musical weaving the romantic journeys of six individuals across three chapters of life, illustrating that sometimes the greatest love stories are those involving soulmates who are not meant to be together. Contreras, a Fred Ebb Award finalist and Jonathan Larson Grant finalist, wrote the book, music, and lyrics for “In Pieces,” which has gained global acclaim, amassing more than 2 million streams and a growing social media presence. It has become a hit licensed property around the world with productions in Singapore, Australia, London, and throughout the United States. The creative team is currently developing the musical with an eye towards a commercial premiere.

P\A

Sept. 24–29, 2024
Studio 60 Theatre

Devised by Alexandria Davis, Assistant Professor of Theatre at Michigan State University, “P\A” is a powerful protest performance that draws inspiration from the theme of women’s suffrage and serves as a second-line tribute to a woman’s right to her body. “P\A” will challenge the artists and audience to confront their preconceived notions of gender roles and expectations, inviting reflection on the historical struggles women have faced in their fight to be unapologetically authentic in a world that often demands they be seen and not heard.

Inherit the Wind

Oct. 4–13, 2024
Arena Theatre

This compelling courtroom drama by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee is a fictionalized account of the historic 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial in which a Tennessee teacher was prosecuted for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in a high school science class. As the trial unfolds, the courtroom becomes the stage for ideological conflict and debate about the fine line between church and state. “Inherit the Wind” is directed by Rob Roznowski, Professor of Acting at Michigan State University.

A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes

Nov. 8–17, 2024
Pasant Theatre

This Thanksgiving play by Kate Benson is not your typical holiday drama as sportscasters provide play-by-play commentary at a Midwestern family gathering. Directed by Brad Willcuts, Associate Professor and Head of Acting at Michigan State University, “A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes” is set at Wembly kitchen where the Thanksgiving holiday becomes a metaphorical game of gratitude, exploring the origins and significance of traditions amidst chaos and an uncountable herd of great grandbabies.

MSU UnScripted

Nov. 21–24, 2024
Studio 60 Theatre      

“MSU UnScripted” will provide a night of uproarious improvisational comedy where the personalities of the Department of Theatre’s newest students will come together like a puzzle. Directed by Sarah Hendrickson, Academic Specialist of Acting and Improvisation at Michigan State University, each performance will be completely different as everything will be made up on the spot, or “unscripted.” Using audience suggestions and a unique blend of classic and innovative improv games, the student actors will craft hilarious scenes while fostering new friendships and a culture of inclusivity.

9 to 5, The Musical

Feb. 14–23, 2025
Fairchild Theatre

Based on the 1980 20th Century Fox film, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnik, this is a story of friendship and revenge as three female coworkers, pushed to the boiling point, get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, and bigoted boss. In a hilarious turn of events, the three coworkers live out their wildest fantasy by taking control of the company, giving their boss the boot, and giving their workplace a dream makeover. “9 to 5, The Musical” is directed by Adam Yankowy, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Michigan State University, with music directed by Dave Wendelberger, Academic Specialist of Musical Theatre at MSU. 

Decision Height

April 1–5, 2025
Studio 60 Theatre      

Amidst the chaos of World War II, Virginia Hascall has left home and her fiancé to become a Woman Airforce Service Pilot. As the war rages, she faces a pivotal decision that will change her life forever. “Decision Height” by Meredith Danya Levy and directed by Alexis Black, Assistant Professor of Theatre at Michigan State University, is a story about friendship and the essential role of women during wartime. It tells an unforgettable story of bravery, sacrifice, and sisterhood, shining a light on a courageous group of unrecognized American heroes.

Inching Toward Yeolha          

April 11–19, 2025
Pasant Theatre

Based on the book by Korean playwright Sam-Shik Pai with translation by Walter Byongsok Chon, “Inching Toward Yeolha” is a dark, absurd comedy about a secluded village in Central Asia that is desperate to explore a new world while clutching tightly to the past. It is a story inspired by 18th-century Korean philosopher Yeon-Ahm’s quest for a new perspective that would move forward a nation. “Inching Toward Yeolha” is directed by Ji Won Jeon, Research Associate in the Department of Theatre at Michigan State University.