Home / Conservatory for the Performing Arts / Performing Arts Season 77

Performing Arts Season 77

Playhouse Theatre Company

Macklanburg Playhouse, 100 Willis Ave, Columbia, MO 65201

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Concert 

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton

Beauty and the Beast is a musical based on the 1991 Disney animated film of the same name. It tells the enchanting story of Belle, a young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s exterior to recognize the kind heart and soul within. The musical features songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, and it explores themes of love, acceptance, and inner beauty.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

11 a.m. on Sept. 26 | 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 26, 27, 28 | 2 p.m. Sept. 29 

Beauty and the Beast Digital Program 

Clue: On Stage  

By Sandy Rustin and adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn
Additional materials by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
Original music composed by Michael Holland

Clue is a comedic play based on the popular board game and the 1985 film of the same name. Set in a mysterious mansion, the story follows six guests who are invited to a dinner party where their host, Mr. Boddy, is murdered. With the help of the butler, Wadsworth, the guests must unravel the identity of the killer before more murders occur. The play is filled with rapid-fire dialogue, physical comedy, and surprising twists, making for a hilarious and engaging whodunit.

11 a.m. on Oct. 31 | 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 2 | 2 p.m. on Nov. 3 

Purchase tickets for Clue: On Stage

The Wizard of Oz 

By L. Frank Baum 
With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg                     

The Wizard of Oz is a beloved musical based on L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel and the iconic 1939 film. It follows the journey of Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Accompanied by her dog Toto and new friends-the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion-Dorothy travels to see the Wizard of Oz in hopes of returning home. Along the way, they face challenges from the Wicked Witch of the West and discover the true meaning of courage, heart, and friendship. Featuring memorable songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” the musical is a timeless tale of adventure and self-discovery.

The Wizard of Oz is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

11 a.m. on Dec. 12 | 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, 13, 14 | 2 p.m. on Dec. 15

Purchase tickets for The Wizard of Oz 

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express

By Agatha Christie adapted by Ken Ludwig   

Murder on the Orient Express is a thrilling play adapted from Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel. The story unfolds aboard the luxurious Orient Express train, where detective Hercule Poirot must solve the murder of a wealthy American passenger, Samuel Ratchett. As Poirot interrogates the diverse and suspicious group of passengers, he uncovers secrets and lies, leading to a shocking and ingenious conclusion. The play combines suspense, intrigue, and brilliant deduction in a captivating tale of justice and morality   As the mystery unfolds, the play invites audiences to unravel clues alongside Poirot, experiencing the thrill of uncovering the truth in this timeless tale of deception and justice. 

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

11 a.m. on Feb. 13 |  7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, 14, 15 | 2 p.m. on Feb. 16

Purchase tickets for Murder on the Orient Express

Snow White and Me

Book by Philip LaZebnik and Ronald Kruschak
Music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary
Additional Lyrics by Philip LaZebnik and Ronald Kruschak

Snow White and Me is a musical set in a Grimm’s fairy tale world, where Queen Endora, the evil stepmother of Snow White, has discovered that she can change the endings of fairy tales to unhappy ones, where the evil characters triumph. The hapless Prince Florian – one of the many princes fated to fail in the stories – ventures into the real world to find a hero to save the fairy tale world.  Will there be a “happily ever after”?

Snow White and Me is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 

11 a.m. on April 24 | 7:30 p.m. on April 24, 25, 26 | 2 p.m. on April 27

Purchase tickets for Snow White and Me 

Curtain Up! 

Our final mainstage production, is a powerful celebration featuring the incredible breath of talent in the Conservatory.  Featuring musical theatre, acting, vocal ensembles and a few surprises along the way!

11 a.m. on May 1 | 7:30 p.m. on May 2, 3, 4 | 2 p.m. on May 4

Purchase tickets for Curtain Up! 

Senior Showcase

Join us in celebrating our amazingly talented graduating class of BFA Performance majors. The Senior Showcase provides an opportunity for each member of our graduating class to have a moment in the spotlight and to share their talent before they head off into the professional world. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow shine their light! In addition, you’ll have bragging rights to say, “I knew them when”.

No cost to attend. 

May 2025: Dates TBD 

---

Warehouse Theatre Company

104 Willis Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
General Admission $10, Seniors $8, Students $6
Purchase Warehouse Theatre tickets

 

Crimes of the Heart

Set in Hazlehurst, Mississippi in 1974, Crimes of the heart follows the three Magrath sisters throughout a hilarious yet impactful tale of escaping the past while embracing the future. Lenny, the eldest sister faces her diminishing marital prospects, unmarried at thirty; Meg, the second eldest, returns to her hometown following a failed singing career in LA; while Babe the youngest is out on bail after suddenly shooting her husband in the stomach. Along with their sanctimonious cousin, Chick, and the clumsy young lawyer tasked with keeping Babe out of jail, the three women come together to tell a tale of strength and bravery through hardship, discovering that their love for each other can overcome any tragedy life throws their way.

Tickets:  $6 student, $8 senior, $10 general admission

November 8, 9, 10