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Performing Arts Season 79

Playhouse Theatre

Macklanburg Playhouse, 100 Willis Ave, Columbia, MO 65201

Spring Awakening 

Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Based on the play by Frank Wedekind

Spring Awakening follows a group of teenagers in late 19th-century Germany as they struggle with the pressures of growing up, strict social expectations, and the confusion surrounding love, sexuality, and identity. At the center of the story are Melchior, an intelligent and rebellious student; Wendla, a curious and sheltered young girl; and Moritz, a sensitive boy overwhelmed by academic pressure and anxiety. As the adults around them refuse to openly discuss important issues, the teenagers are left to navigate their emotions and experiences alone.

Through a powerful contemporary rock score and emotional storytelling, the musical explores themes of self-discovery, repression, mental health, and the consequences of silence between generations. As the characters search for freedom and understanding, their choices lead to both moments of hope and heartbreaking tragedy, making Spring Awakening a deeply moving coming-of-age story.

Spring Awakening is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

11 a.m. on Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 & 3 | 2 p.m. Oct. 3 & 4  

Eurydice

By Sarah Ruhl

Eurydice reimagines the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice from Eurydice’s perspective. After falling deeply in love with Orpheus, a gifted musician, Eurydice dies unexpectedly on her wedding day and journeys to the Underworld. There, she reunites with her father, who has been waiting for her and helps her rediscover her memories and sense of self. As Eurydice adjusts to the strange rules of the Underworld, she struggles between her love for Orpheus and her growing connection to her father.

The play explores themes of love, loss, memory, and the difficulty of letting go. Through poetic dialogue and imaginative staging, Sarah Ruhl creates a dreamlike version of the myth that focuses on family relationships and human emotion rather than heroic adventure. As Orpheus attempts to bring Eurydice back to the world of the living, the story builds toward a bittersweet ending that highlights the fragility of memory and the enduring power of love.

Eurydice is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com

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

She Loves Me

Book by Joe Masteroff
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Based on a play by Miklos Laszio

She Loves Me is a romantic musical comedy set in a 1930s perfume shop in Budapest. The story follows Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash, two employees who constantly argue and clash at work. Unbeknownst to them, however, they have been anonymously exchanging heartfelt letters through a lonely-hearts correspondence and have fallen in love as secret pen pals. As misunderstandings and workplace tensions continue to grow, neither realizes that the person they are searching for is standing right in front of them.

Filled with humor, charm, and heartfelt songs, the musical explores themes of love, identity, and human connection. Alongside the romance between Georg and Amalia, the lives of the other shop employees unfold with moments of comedy and emotional honesty. As the truth about the letters is finally revealed, the story ends with reconciliation, warmth, and the hopeful promise of new love.

She Loves Me is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

11 a.m. on Dec. 11 | 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 & 12 | 2 p.m. on Dec. 12 & 13

The Addams Family A New Musical

Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Orchestrations by Larry Hochman
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams

The Addams Family is a delightfully creepy musical comedy that brings everyone’s favorite kooky family to life with plenty of mischief, romance, and catchy songs. When Wednesday Addams falls for Lucas Beineke, a perfectly normal boy from a respectable Ohio family, chaos begins to brew. Determined to prove she can have a “normal” relationship, Wednesday invites Lucas and his parents to dinner at the Addams mansion—but with one major condition: Gomez must keep the engagement secret from Morticia. Between awkward family dinners, ghostly ancestors, and explosive confessions, the evening quickly spirals into hilarious disaster.

Packed with Andrew Lippa’s energetic score, the musical celebrates the weirdness in every family through songs full of dark humor, heart, and theatrical flair. From Gomez’s passionate devotion to Morticia to Uncle Fester’s moon-struck wisdom, each character embraces their eccentricities with pride. As secrets unravel and emotions boil over, The Addams Family reminds audiences that love works best when people are free to be exactly who they are—strange habits and all.

The Addams Family A New Musical is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

11 a.m. on Feb. 12 |  7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 & 13 | 2 p.m. on Feb. 13 & 14

Picnic

By William Inge

Picnic is a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that captures the restless longing and hidden desires simmering beneath the surface of small-town Midwestern life. Set over Labor Day weekend in Kansas, the play follows the arrival of Hal Carter, a charming and impulsive drifter whose presence disrupts the quiet routines of two neighboring households. As relationships shift and tensions rise, the characters are forced to confront their dreams, disappointments, and desires for something greater than the lives they have settled into.

Written by acclaimed American playwright William Inge, Picnic reflects Inge’s deep understanding of Midwestern communities and ordinary people searching for connection and meaning. Before achieving Broadway success, Inge taught at Stephens College from 1938 to 1943, where he instructed students in English, journalism, and drama. His experiences in Missouri and the American Midwest heavily influenced the emotional realism and atmosphere found throughout Picnic.

Picnic is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service.

7:30 p.m. on March 17, 18, 19 | 11 a.m. on March 19

Curtain Up! 2027

Join us for Curtain Up!, a bold showcase celebrating the talent, creativity, and versatility of the Conservatory for the Performing Arts. This fast-paced performance brings together an exciting mix of music, acting, and dance, featuring everything from comedic scenes and powerful vocal performances to dynamic choreography and moving dramatic moments. Blending beloved classics with fresh new works, Curtain Up! offers audiences an unforgettable evening filled with energy, artistry, and heart.

More than a performance, Curtain Up! is a celebration of collaboration, storytelling, and the next generation of performing artists stepping into the spotlight. Whether hilarious, heartfelt, or electrifying, each piece highlights the passion and dedication of our students as they share their craft on stage. Don’t miss this vibrant evening of creativity, connection, and theatrical magic.

7:30 p.m. on April 23 & 24 | 2 p.m. on April 25

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. 

7:30 p.m. on May 9, 2027 

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Warehouse Theatre Company

104 Willis Ave, Columbia, MO 65201
General Admission $10, Seniors $8, Students $6

Season To Be Announced