University Theatre and Concerts

MAD FOREST
A Play from Romania
By Caryl Churchill
Directed by Seth Gordon

8 p.m. Sept. 24, 30, Oct. 1, 2
3 p.m. Sept. 26, Oct. 2, 3
Weitzenhoffer Theatre

Written by one of our most celebrated living playwrights, Mad Forest, A Play from Romania, is a gripping account of the Romanian Revolution of 1989 told by the young and the old, the wealthy and the working class, and by humans, animals, and spirits in a mesmerizing play that will challenge your senses. Helmerich School of Drama presents this fascinating, provocative exploration of the lengths one goes through to survive and maintain the best of humanity.

This production contains adult content. Live Stream will be available for Sept. 24, 26, Oct. 1 and 2 performances. To purchase live stream go here. View the digital program is available here.

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SHE LOVES ME
Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Directed by Shawn Churchman

8 p.m. Oct. 15, 21, 22, 23
3 p.m. Oct. 17, 24
Reynolds Performing Arts Center

In an elegant Budapest parfumerie, we meet two clerks, Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don’t see eye to eye. After both respond to a “lonely hearts” advertisement in the newspaper, these unwitting pen pals become the most unlikely of lovebirds. Widely considered the most charming musical ever written, this delightful confection promises to bring out the hopeless romantic in all of us. This production is suitable for all audiences. Online viewing will not be available.

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BACH’S COFFEE CANTATA
By Johann Sebastian Bach

LA SERVA PADRONA
By Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
Jonathan Shames, Artistic Director and Conductor
Stage Direction by Harold Mortimer

8 p.m. Nov. 11, 12, 13
3 p.m. Nov. 14
Weitzenhoffer Theatre

OU Opera Theater presents two classic one-act comedies. Coffee is at the heart of Bach’s Coffee Cantata—will Lieschen 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 will be available. Tickets on sale Oct. 25.

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CONTEMPORARY DANCE OKLAHOMA

8 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 9, 10
3 p.m. Dec. 5, 11
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 Leslie Kraus and Roxanne Lyst. This production is suitable for all audiences. Video-on-demand will be available. Tickets on Nov. 15.

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YOUNG CHOREOGRAPHERS’ SHOWCASE

8 p.m. Jan. 27, 28, 29
3 p.m. Jan. 30
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. This production is suitable for all audiences. Video-on-demand will be available. Tickets on sale Jan. 12.

THE SCARLET LETTER
By Lori Laitman
Libretto by David Mason
Based on the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Jonathan Shames, Artistic Director and Conductor
Stage Direction by Beth Greenberg

8 p.m. Feb. 10, 11, 12
3 p.m. Feb. 13
Reynolds Performing Arts Center

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.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Judith Midyett Pender

8 p.m. Feb. 25, 26, March 3, 4, 5
3 p.m. Feb. 27, March 6
Weitzenhoffer Theatre

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.

PIPPIN
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Directed by Lyn Cramer

8 p.m. April 1, 2, 8, 9
3 p.m. April 3, 10
Elsie C. Brackett Theatre

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.

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
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.