University Theatre and Concerts

YOUNG CHOREOGRAPHERS’ SHOWCASE

8 p.m. Jan. 27, 28, 29
3 p.m. Jan. 30, 2022
Elsie C. Brackett Theatre

School of Dance student choreographers present original dance works for the OU stage. Using the full range of their imagination from creating concepts, selecting dancers and collaborating with Helmerich School of Drama student lighting designers, these young artists surprise, delight and inspire audiences with their talents.

Some coarse language will be used in this production. Video-on-demand will be available. View the program online here.
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THE SCARLET LETTER
Lori Laitman, composer
David Mason, librettist
Based on the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Jonathan Shames, artistic director/conductor
Beth Greenberg, stage director

8 p.m. Feb. 10, 11, 12
3 p.m. Feb. 13, 2022
Reynolds Performing Arts Center
560 Parrington Oval, Norman, OK 73019

Guest director Beth Greenberg brings to the stage this heartfelt story, enhanced immeasurably by Lori Laitman’s beautiful, evocative score and David Mason’s charged libretto. This extraordinary tale of life in early America brings together, in an almost perfect way, forces that still rage in our society today. Hester Prynne, shunned and shamed as a single mother, navigates her way through the harsh Puritan world. The abuse she withstands demonstrates the power of a community intent on enforcing rules with no regard for the human experience. Sung in English with English supertitles. This production contains adult content. Video-on-demand will be available. Tickets on sale Jan. 24.
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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
William Shakespeare, playright
 Judith Midyett Pender, director

8 p.m. Feb. 25, 26, March 3, 4, 5
3 p.m. Feb. 27, March 6, 2022
Weitzenhoffer Theatre, 563 Elm Ave., Norman, OK 73019

As Shakespeare said, “The course of true love never did run smooth.” Witness true love stolen, fought for, lost by magic, defended, and finally regained. Presented by Helmerich School of Drama, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is perhaps Shakespeare’s most popular, most lyrical, most wondrous, and most humorous play, perfect for those who can use a little crazy, funny love just now.

This production contains light-hearted adult content. Video-on-demand will be available. Tickets on sale Feb. 7.
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PIPPIN
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Lyn Cramer, director

8 p.m. April 1, 2, 8, 9
3 p.m. April 3, 10, 2022
Elsie C. Brackett Theatre, 563 Elm Ave., Norman, OK 73019

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four Tony Awards in 2013, including Best Musical Revival, Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world.

This production contains adult content. Live stream will be available. Tickets on sale March 14.
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OKLAHOMA FESTIVAL BALLET
Choreography by guest artist Robyn Mineko Williams.
New choreography after Marius Petipa by Boyko Dossev, School of Dance Faculty

8 p.m. April 22, 23, 29, 30
3 p.m. April 24, May 1, 2022
Reynolds Performing Arts Center

School of Dance is thrilled to announce its 2022 spring season of sensational ballets. The repertory includes a world premiere by globally acclaimed choreographer Robyn Mineko Williams. Finally, a restaging of the classically elegant The Sleeping Beauty Suite, Act III, as you’ve never seen it before! Join us for this incredible evening of inspiring and breathtaking ballets.

This production is suitable for all audiences. Video-on-demand will be available. Tickets on sale April 4.
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MAD FOREST
Book by Caryl Churchill
Seth Gordon, director
Sept. 24-Oct. 3, 2021
Weitzenhoffer Theatre
View the digital program here.

SHE LOVES ME
Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Shawn Churchman, director
Oct. 15-24, 2021
Reynolds Performing Arts Center
View the digital program here.

BACH’S COFFEE CANTATA
Johann Sebastian Bach, composer

LA SERVA PADRONA
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, composer
Jonathan Shames, artistic director and conductor
Harold Mortimer, stage director
Nov. 11-14, 2021, Weitzenhoffer Theatre

OU Opera Theater presents two classic one-act comedies. Coffee is at the heart of Bach’s Coffee Cantata—will Lizzy give it up for the promise of love? This inventive heroine brews up a plan with wit and charm. Sung in English with English supertitles.

In La Serva Padrona, Serpina uses mischief and guile to take charge of the life of the man she loves, winning both his heart and his estate! With its comedic banter and commedia dell’arte characters, this “maid to mistress” opera provides lively theatrical entertainment. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

This production is suitable for all audiences. Video-on-demand is available through Feb. 1, rent here.  The digital program may be viewed here.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE OKLAHOMA
Dec. 3-11, 2021
Elsie C. Brackett Theatre

Internationally acclaimed choreographer Sidra Bell (2021 Brackett Distinguished Visiting Artist), fresh off her latest commission for the New York City Ballet, creates an exciting new work for the dancers of CDO. Gus Solomons Jr.’s (2020 Brackett Distinguished Visiting Artist) Bothy Breed, and Tommie-Waheed Evan’s Near Light, both postponed due to COVID, are performing along with original choreography from School of Dance faculty Leslie Kraus and Roxanne Lyst. This production is suitable for all audiences. Video-on-demand is available through April 1, rent here. View the digital program here.