Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre is preparing for the 2025 Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) season, which runs June 5-22 and will feature three productions along with pre- and post-show performances, including lively cabarets and improv. This is the 63rd year Summer Circle Theatre is offering free outdoor performances for the public to enjoy.
“For over six decades, the MSU Department of Theatre has delighted audiences with free outdoor performances on our beautiful campus,” said Alexis Black, Assistant Professor of Acting Movement in MSU’s Department of Theatre and Artistic Director of Summer Circle Theatre (SCT). “Summer Circle Theatre continues to offer a vibrant, professional venue for MSU students, while bringing the joy of live theatre to mid-Michigan audiences.”
This year’s Summer Circle theme is “connection” where stories will come alive and connections will be made under the open sky. The season begins in the whimsical world of “Fools” by Neil Simon, then moves to the deeply personal and thought-provoking journey in “I and You” by Lauren Gunderson, and ends with the playful friendship in ”Elephant and Piggie: We are in a Play!” by Mo Willems and Deborah Wicks La Puma.
“Summer Circle Theatre continues to offer a vibrant, professional venue for MSU students, while bringing the joy of live theatre to mid-Michigan audiences.”
Alexis Black, Artistic Director for Summer Circle Theatre
“The characters in these stories are reaching out — to understand one another, to face life’s challenges, and to embrace the humor and beauty found in human relationships,” Black said. “Each production invites us to explore what it means to connect, or perhaps reconnect, to ourselves and each other with empathy.”
In addition to the main-stage performances, a variety of pre- and post-show events are planned that will celebrate the artistic spirit. Audiences can expect lively cabarets and captivating improv performances that will further enrich the celebration of community and creativity.
“As Artistic Director, I am continuously inspired by the dedication and talent of our incredible company of directors, actors, designers, stage managers, and technicians, and by all of our amazing audience members that join us each week,” Black said. “SCT is a space where the sense of belonging is palpable. The shared laughter, gasps, and moments of reflection are what make this tradition so special.”
All performances take place in the Summer Circle Theatre Courtyard located between the Auditorium Building and Kresge Art Center on MSU’s campus. In the event of heavy rain, performances will be moved into the Auditorium Building.
“SCT is a space where the sense of belonging is palpable. The shared laughter, gasps, and moments of reflection are what make this tradition so special.”
Alexis Black, Artistic Director for Summer Circle Theatre
The SCT Courtyard is a tiered, amphitheater-style venue. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for maximum comfort. Concessions will be available at each performance. Audience members also are welcome to bring their own picnic.
Free parking will be available for each performance in Lot 9, located across the street from the SCT Courtyard.
All shows begin at 7 p.m., except for the Sunday performances, which will start at 4 p.m. For a full schedule, see the Summer Circle Theatre website.
‘Fools’
“Fools,” scheduled for June 5-8, is a comic fable written by Neil Simon that is set in the small, fictional village of Kulyenchikov in the 1890s. The story follows Leon Steponovich Tolchinsky, a schoolteacher who takes a new job educating Sophia, the daughter of Dr. Zubritsky and his wife, Lenya. Leon soon learns that there is a curse on the village that makes everyone foolish, but complications ensue when Leon falls in love with his pupil.
“I believe deeply in the gentility and generosity that come with youth and creativity,” said Brad Willcuts, Associate Professor of Theatre and Director of “Fools.” “This production is an invitation to embrace both: to be joyfully foolish, boldly curious, and open to the unexpected discoveries that come with not knowing it all.
“There’s something strangely comforting in the idea that ignorance can feel like bliss. Maybe the path to happiness lies not in learning more, but in uncovering just enough to realize how little we need. This performance, here under the stars at Summer Circle Theatre, is a celebration of that — of our confident, naive, and beautiful younger selves. May it bring you laughter, nostalgia, and a reminder that foolishness isn’t a flaw — it’s a beginning.”
Rating: Appropriate for ages 10+. Includes mild romantic themes and humorous depictions of ignorance.
‘I and You’
“I and You,” written by Lauren Gunderson and scheduled for June 12-15, centers on Caroline, a sardonic, homebound teenager dealing with a serious illness, and Anthony, a charismatic and enthusiastic classmate who unexpectedly shows up at her house to work on a school project. Their assignment is a presentation about Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass,” specifically his poem “Song of Myself.”
As they work together, their conversations delve into themes of mortality, connection, and the beauty of small moments. Caroline is initially defensive and resistant to Anthony’s cheery demeanor, but their banter soon evolves into meaningful dialogue, revealing their vulnerabilities and personal struggles. Anthony’s passion for life and Whitman’s poetry begins to break through Caroline’s emotional walls.
“What’s particularly profound about the conceit of this piece is what it says about the unexpected nature of the connections we form. How even when we’re not looking for it, connection can find us; we can’t know when, where, or even how a new meaningful connection will form, and yet they do — as if this need to bond is etched into the very fabric of our DNA,” said Ryan Patrick Welsh, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Director of “I and You.” “Even when we put our heads down and focus on what’s in front of us, our problems, fears, concerns, distractions — somehow, if we’re lucky, through the fog of everyday life, we look up and find that someone sees us, and that we see them too. ‘I and You’ is a reminder of the beauty of what it is to love and be loved.”
Rating: Appropriate for ages 13+. Includes mild language, references to illness and death, and depictions of emotional vulnerability.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”
The children’s musical “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’” is scheduled for June 19-22 and is based on Mo Willems’ popular Elephant and Piggie book series about the adventures of best friends Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig. In this play, Gerald and Piggie take to the stage in a vaudevillian-style adventure, singing and dancing through various scenarios that explore their friendship, often dealing with Gerald’s anxieties while Piggie’s optimism shines through, all while engaging the audience with playful antics and catchy tunes.
“Bringing a beloved set of books to life is no small task, but the balance of purpose and whimsy in Elephant & Piggie made it irresistible,” said Black, Director of “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’” “Set on a vibrant playground, these characters boogie through the ‘SINGing Sixties,’ delivering big laughs and even bigger heart. And, though full of fun, this show is also rich with meaningful moments.
“Elephant and Piggie remind us that differences can strengthen relationships. Kids will see Piggie’s confidence as she helps her friend face fears, and the beauty of Elephant’s vulnerability as they discover the true depth of friendship. Their journey shows that empathy, trust, and embracing what makes us unique lead to lasting connection — a powerful message for young minds and a timely reminder for us all.”
The musical direction for this play is by Dave Wendelberger with choreography by Brad Willcuts.
Rating: Appropriate for all ages. Moments of audience interaction and gentle humor about friendship, sharing, and surprises.
By Austin Curtis and Kim Popiolek
