TUCSON, Ariz. – The School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to present Little Women, a musicalized version of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless American novel. Performances will take place in the Marroney Theatre from April 20 to May 4, 2025.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s own life, Little Women follows sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March and their experiences growing up in Civil War America.

Musical Theatre senior Lily Grubert plays the central role of Jo. “I think what is so endearing about Little Women is that there is an opportunity for audience members to see themselves in the characters. The March family grapples with the societal expectations of women just as we do, and the story allows us to explore the vastness of our own dreams and aspirations.”

“My childhood was greatly influenced by my mom, my two sisters and my cousin. Like the March sisters, we dreamt, played, and sang our way through life as young women, and they have inspired my understanding of Jo and her deep ties to the women in her family.”

The production is directed by Brent Gibbs, with musical direction by Jamie Reed and choreography by Christie Kerr. Little Women marks the final show of TFTV’s 2024/25 season. The school’s 2025/26 theatre season will be announced shortly.

What      The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television presents. LITTLE WOMEN
Where    Marroney Theatre, 1025 N Olive Rd, Tucson AZ 85719
When      April 24 – May 4, with previews on April 20 & 23
Tickets   https://am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/buy/LittleWomen This production is part of the discounted student ticket program.

About the School of Theatre, Film & Television
The School of Theatre, Film & Television, a member of the Arizona Arts division at the University of Arizona, nurtures and develops outstanding artists and scholars via rigorous training and mentoring by internationally recognized faculty, high-level internship opportunities, industry-standard resources, and hands-on production experience. TFTV is ranked the No. 2 public film school in the United States, and the only National Top 10 school located outside of LA, Boston and NYC (The Wrap College Issue, ’24). TFTV’s comprehensive training programs aim to prepare students to succeed in a wide range of careers – in the industry, the arts, and higher education. Each year through mainstage productions, BA productions, and screenings, students of TFTV are able to showcase their talents, tell compelling stories, and provide clear results of what happens in their classrooms and studios.

TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is excited to announce its 2024/25 theatre season, featuring a selection of award-winning musicals and plays and musicals spanning the late 19th century through to the modern day. The season showcases the school’s rising stars in acting, design and technical production.

Associate Professor Christie Kerr, new Artistic Director of the Arizona Repertory Theatre (ART), presides over the 2024/25 season. Kerr has worked as director, choreographer and intimacy coordinator on numerous ART productions including Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar, Head Over Heels, Spring Awakening, and TFTV’s Broadway Regional Award-winning production of Legally Blonde.

“We look forward to welcoming audiences to the beautifully renovated Marroney Theatre to experience the master works Uncle Vanya and Little Women, the thrilling new play John Proctor is the Villain, and a sweeping tale of love and redemption in Bright Star, the musical written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell,” said Kerr.

ART is the public laboratory and showcase for TFTV’s professional actor training program.

“I’m thrilled to be at the helm of an incredibly exciting lineup of shows in 2024/25 as we showcase the final two years of our BFA Acting/Musical Theatre majors with our tradition of two plays and two fully produced musicals,” says Kerr, who is also the school’s new Head of Acting/Music Theatre.

In the Tornabene Theatre, the Next Performance Collective, an initiative of the school’s new degree in Live and Screened Performance, will present a selection of scenes in the BA Theatre Showcase, and create and perform original work for the New Directions Festival, now in its fourth year.

All mainstage productions will be supported by students in the BFA Design and Technical Production program.

Subscription packages for TFTV’s new theatre season are now on sale. Individual tickets will be available from Sept. 3. More information is available at theatre.arizona.edu.

TFTV 2024/25 Theatre Season

Bright Star
OCTOBER 13 — 27, 2024 in the Marroney Theatre

Inspired by a true story and featuring a Tony-nominated score of bluegrass and gospel tunes by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star tells the sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s.

Music, Book & Story by Steve Martin Music, Lyrics & Story by Edie Brickell.

Produced by Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Zebulon LLC, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Len Blavatnik, James L. Nederlander, Carson & Joseph Gleberman, Balboa Park Productions, The Shubert Organization, Jamie deRoy/Catherine Adler/Cricket Jiranek. In Association With Rodger Hess, A.C. Orange International, Broadway Across America, Sally Jacobs & Warren Baker, Diana DiMenna, Exeter Capital, Agnes Gund, True Love Productions And The Old Globe.

BRIGHT STAR is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

Uncle Vanya
NOVEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 8, 2024 in the Marroney Theatre

Uncle Vanya is Anton Chekhov’s brilliant yet tragic play examining the troubles of country life in Russia during the late 19th century. Richly complex, this prescient drama is not to be missed.

By Anton Chekhov
Translation by Paul Schmidt

UNCLE VANYA is presented through special arrangement with TRW PLAYS 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.trwplays.com

John Proctor is the Villain
FEBRUARY 23 – MARCH 9, 2025 in the Marroney Theatre

A new play from a major new voice, playwright Kimberly Bellflower, John Proctor is the Villain captures a group of Georgia high schoolers as they explore the classic play, The Crucible. Along the way, issues of love, sex, and scandal rock their everyday worlds.

By Kimberly Belflower

Little Women
The Broadway Musical
APRIL 20 – MAY 4, 2025 in the Marroney Theatre

Set during the Civil War, Louisa May Alcott’s timeless American novel is vibrantly musicalized to stunning effect. We follow Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy as they navigate life in all its adventures and trials. Six generations have read this story. This one will sing it.

Book by Allan Knee. Music by Jason Howlan. Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein.
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott.

LITTLE WOMEN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

BA Theatre Showcase
DATE TBD in the Tornabene Theatre
Note: The BA Theatre Showcase is offered separately from the subscription season package.

New Directions Festival
APRIL 3 – 13, 2025 in the Tornabene Theatre
Note: The New Directions Festival is offered separately from the subscription season package.

Join us in the Spring for the fourth annual New Directions Festival. The Festival showcases 100% student-created, student-designed, and student-performed content, allowing BA students to tell their stories through voices that are uniquely their own.

About the School of Theatre, Film & Television
The School of Theatre, Film & Television, a member of the Arizona Arts division at the University of Arizona, nurtures and develops outstanding artists and scholars via rigorous training and mentoring by internationally recognized faculty, high-level internship opportunities, industry-standard resources, and hands-on production experience. TFTV offers comprehensive training programs that aim to prepare students to succeed in a wide range of careers – in the industry, the arts, and higher education. Each year through Arizona Repertory Theatre productions, Next Performance Collective productions, and Film & Television screenings, students of TFTV are able to showcase their talents, tell compelling stories, and provide clear results of what happens in their classrooms and studios. TFTV’s Film & Television program regularly ranks in The Wrap’s “Top 50 Film Schools,” and the School’s Theatre programs regularly rank in Onstage’s “Top 30 College Musical Theatre Programs” and “Top 30 College Theatre Design & Tech Programs” making the University of Arizona one of the country’s top institutions to study theatre, film and television.

The School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to present the Arizona Repertory Theatre production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the beloved romantic comedy, from April 14 – 28 in the newly renovated Marroney Theatre.

Much Ado About Nothing is the sparkling tale of two couples, Claudio and Hero, played by Leland Hao (BFA Acting, ’25) and Isabella Russo (BFA Acting, ’25) respectively, and Benedick and Beatrice, played by Babacar Ba (BFA Acting, ’24) and Sydney Townsend (BFA Musical Theatre, ’25). The two couples find themselves fighting for love while battling various matchmaking and manipulation machinations.

TFTV’s version of the production is set in Italy in the early 1950s, with choreography handled by students Holden Jones (BFA Musical Theatre, ’25) and Catherine Kim (BFA Musical Theatre, ’25).

“It’s been a super exciting process getting to be on the other side of the table and seeing our vision come to life,” reflects Jones. “We tried to allow the story to influence each character’s movement to continue moving the story forward with dance. We’re incorporating elements of swing, jitterbug, rock and roll, and even some traditional ballroom and classical influences.”

The production is directed by Associate Professor David Morden, whose Arizona Repertory Theatre credits include Inspecting Carol, Lend Me a Tenor and Top Girls. He has also worked on numerous ART productions as voice/text/dialect coach.

“This play has always intrigued me because it is, in a way, a drama wrapped in a comedy. Or a comedy that dips into drama. It’s a sometimes hilarious, sometimes difficult story that teaches us something about how we relate to each other and how we play out first, second and third impressions in our relationships. This production has been a joyous collaboration with professional designers, UA faculty and students. In particular, Holden Jones and Catherine Kim have contributed fantastic choreography to the production that is fun, unusual and an enormous boon to telling this story.”

A post-show discussion with the director and cast will take place on Friday, Apr. 26. Ticket discounts are available. This production qualifies for our free student ticket program.

What     The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television presents MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Where   Marroney Theatre, 1025 N Olive Rd, Tucson AZ 85719
When    April 18 – 28, with preview performances on April 14 and 17
Tickets  https://am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/MuchAdo

TUCSON, Ariz. – The School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to present Argonautika, a modern retelling of the ancient epic of Jason and the Argonauts, with performances from March 24 to April 7 in the Tornabene Theatre.

The mesmerizing adaptation by playwright Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses) recounts the adventures of Jason and his crew aboard the Argo on a perilous mission to cross the forbidden ocean as they encounter monsters, goddesses, nymphs and more in a quest for the Golden Fleece.

TFTV’s production of Argonautika is guest directed by Tioni Collins, a director, actor, educator and public speaking coach who has been making theatre for over 35 years. In Tucson, she most recently directed t4t by 2023 Theatre Studies alumnus Jess Scott, and Chins Up! Shoulders Back! for the Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre. She currently works at the University of Arizona in the College of Fine Arts as the Student Programs Specialist for Equity in the Arts.

“Our version of this classic tale focuses on the power of transformational storytelling through play,” says Collins. “We have created a world in which tales of ancient gods, powerful rulers, battles to the death and fantastical beasts are told with roller skates, puppets and other things that you might find on a playground, with the same level of commitment and passion as when we played make-believe as children. Audiences can prepare to buckle in for quite a ride filled with adventure, laughter, tears and surprises.”

Cast member Dermot Louchart, who plays the role of Jason, added “It’s been a joy to get to work with this brilliant cast and amazing crew to build this world. The show is a sprawling adventure full of heroes and monsters, gods and magic, love and glory, and loss and grief, and I’m so grateful to the directorial team for giving me the chance to explore Jason’s journey through it all.”

This production will have 10 performances between March 24 and April 7, including a post-show discussion with the director and cast on Friday, April 5. Ticket discounts are available. This production qualifies for our free student ticket program.

What      The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television presents ARGONAUTIKA
Where    Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N Olive Rd, Tucson AZ 85719
When     March 28 – April 7, with preview performances on March 24 and 27
Tickets   https://am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/Argonautika

Gaius Valerius Flaccus – Translated by David R. Slavitt. Apollonius Rhodius – Translated by Peter Green. World premiere by the Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago.

TUCSON, Ariz. – On Feb. 29, the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) celebrates the reopening of the refurbished Marroney Theatre with an opening night performance of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

The dark and witty tale of love, murder and revenge stars TFTV Seniors James Kelley Carroll in the famed eponymous role and Broadway World Regional Award winner Grace Gebara as his accomplice Mrs. Lovett. The show will run through March 17.

Set in Victorian-era London, Sweeney Todd is about a barber who embarks on a murderous rampage, extracting revenge for the cruel abuse of his wife. The winner of numerous Tony and Drama Desk Awards over the years, the musical thriller was written by Hugh Wheeler with an original score by Stephen Sondheim.

“Taking on the role of Sweeney Todd has been an immense challenge,” says James Kelley Carroll. “It’s my responsibility to ensure that audiences experiencing Mr. Todd’s dark, violent, and unforgiving world understand the intricate shades of the grey in which he resides. When we meet Sweeney, he is a grieving widower shattered by uncontrollable circumstances who chooses to take matters into his own hands. While we disagree with his methods, we find ourselves rooting for him. We laugh with him and his macabre jokes, and we cry with him in his grief. He is nothing like a hero, yet I hope audiences come to know him as the multi-dimensional human being I have had the privilege to explore.”

The production is directed by TFTV Assoc. Professor Danny Gurwin with choreography by Assoc. Professor Christie Kerr, and musical direction by Asst. Professor Jamie Reed. Gurwin is the head of Acting and Musical Theatre and the Artistic Director of Arizona Repertory Theatre. He has previously directed the TFTV productions of Head Over Heels, Into the Woods, The Pajama Game, The Addams Family, and Rent, among others.

“Sweeney is a true masterpiece. It’s the combination of extreme emotion and violent action that makes the show so exciting and fun. Comedy and tragedy co-exist here. It’s my hope to take the audience on a true adventure through Stephen’s Sondheim’s brilliant music and lyrics,” says Gurwin. “And to present this musical in our newly renovated Marroney Theatre only helps to make it a perfect night of theatre-going.”

The School of Theatre, Film & Television will present 10 performances including previews from Feb. 25 through Mar. 17. A special post-show discussion with production members will take place on Friday Mar. 15. Ticket discounts are available. This production qualifies for our free student ticket program, provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.

What         The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television presents SWEENEY TODD
Where       Marroney Theatre, 1025 N Olive Rd, Tucson AZ 85719
When        Feb. 29 – Mar. 17, with a preview performances on Feb. 25 and 28
Tickets      https://theatre.arizona.edu/shows/sweeney-todd/

SWEENEY TODD is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

TUCSON, Ariz. – The School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to present Jesus Christ Superstar, the iconic rock opera from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Nov. 12 – Dec. 3 in the Tornabene Theatre.

The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has dazzled audiences around the planet for over 50 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score contains hit after hit, including “Superstar,” “Gethsemane,” and the beloved torch ballad “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”

The rock opera portrays a universally known story as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. In a twist, the character is played by senior Musical Theatre major Sophia Scarsi (pictured).

“I think the idea to ‘genderbend’ Judas allows for such a cool dynamic for a ton of different reasons,” says Scarsi. “It creates a different vibe between Mary and Judas and their relationship to Jesus — making it a bit of a triangle. Making Judas a woman also brings to the forefront the societal position of women in biblical times. If Judas had been a woman, she would never have been allowed to be in Jesus’s position. It informs my portrayal of the character’s jealousy and disapproval that eventually turns to betrayal.”

TFTV’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar is directed and choreographed by TFTV Assoc. Professor Christie Kerr, with musical direction by Asst. Professor Jamie Reed. Kerr has worked as Director and/or Choreographer on previous TFTV productions such as Legally Blonde the Musical, Into the Woods, Pippin, and Spring Awakening. Kerr was recently awarded the Ted and Shirley Taubeneck Superior Teaching Award for her course Gotta Dance! Celebrating Musical Theatre Dance. The course was part of the Humanities Seminars Program (HSP), a lifelong learning program offered to adult learners by the University of Arizona.

“I have chosen to set this piece in the modern day, and have discovered that the themes of the show are very applicable to the world today. I believe our contemporary look at these characters will illustrate the more human aspects of them against the historic writings of the Bible,” says Kerr.

The School of Theatre, Film & Television will present 10 performances running from Nov. 12 through Dec. 3, including a special post-show discussion with members of the production on Friday Dec. 1. Ticket discounts are available. This production qualifies for our free student ticket program, provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.

What      The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television presents JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Where      Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N Olive Rd, Tucson AZ 85719
When      Nov. 16 – Dec. 3, with a preview performances on Nov. 12 and 15
Tickets      https://theatre.arizona.edu/shows/jesus-christ-superstar/

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com

Contact
Kerryn Negus
Director, Advancement and External Relations
School of Theatre, Film & Television
knegus@arizona.edu

‘The Thanksgiving Play’ has lots of laughs, plenty of medicine

The School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to present The Thanksgiving Play, a satirical comedy from playwright Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation), Oct. 8-22 in Tornabene Theatre.

The Thanksgiving Play follows a troupe of well-meaning theater artists whose attempts to put on a culturally sensitive Thanksgiving school pageant go awry. The play is presented in repertory with The Laramie Project.

From its debut, The Thanksgiving Play connected with audiences and quickly built momentum. By 2019, it was one of the top 10 most-produced plays in the United States. The play made its Broadway debut earlier this year, making FastHorse the first Native American woman known to have a play produced on Broadway.

TFTV’s production of The Thanksgiving Play is directed by guest director Randy Reinholz. An enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Reinholz is the founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of Native Voices at the Autry, the nation’s only Equity theater company dedicated exclusively to the development and production of new plays by Native American, First Nations, and Alaska Native playwrights.

“In the beginning, folks wondered if this comedy about Thanksgiving – the most misunderstood Native American holiday traditionally told by non-Native Americans – could have this many race observations and still be funny,” said Reinholz.

“It turns out that The Thanksgiving Play has lots of laughs and plenty of medicine. We hope that audiences have a great time, and perhaps come away wondering: what if Native people had more forums for stories, what else might we know, what laughs might we share, and what harm might be prevented?”

Cast member Alyssa DiRaimondo (BFA Acting) added, “Working with Randy Reinholz on The Thanksgiving Play has been an incredibly inspiring process. This play dives heavily into the injustices that Native Americans face and since none of the cast identifies as Native, we were all a bit apprehensive on how to navigate our way through the play. Randy listened to our fears and made sure to create a welcoming rehearsal space where we all could ask questions and learn together. I will forever be grateful for his lessons, vulnerability and never-ending support.”

This production will have 8 performances between Oct. 8 – 22, including a special post-show discussion with the director and cast on Friday, Oct. 13. Ticket discounts are available. This production qualifies for our free student ticket program.

What       The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television presents  THE THANKSGIVING PLAY
Where     Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N Olive Rd, Tucson AZ 85719
When      October 11 – 22, with a preview performance on October 8
Tickets    https://theatre.arizona.edu/shows/the-thanksgiving-play/

The Thanksgiving Play is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

Contact
Kerryn Negus
Director, Advancement and External Relations
School of Theatre, Film & Television
knegus@arizona.edu

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to open its 2023/24 theatre season with a production of The Laramie Project.

The production will mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, the university student whose murder in Laramie, Wyoming, became one of the highest-profile hate crimes of its time.

Written and performed by members of Tectonic Theater Project, The Laramie Project is drawn from over 200 recorded interviews the members conducted with the citizens of Laramie after Shepard’s death. The resulting play – a portrait of an American town forced to confront itself – helped to change the way hate and love and acceptance is discussed in this country.

The Laramie Project will be directed by TFTV Assistant Professor Greg Pierotti who, as a member of Tectonic Theater Project is one of the play’s co-writers and an original cast member.

“Today our play continues to sit at the center of cultural debate and controversy,” said Pierotti on the play’s lasting impact. “Productions are often banned by school boards or protested by hate groups. On January 30, 2023, the play was banned from curriculum and school libraries by the Lansing, Kansas Board of Education. Tectonic Theatre Project responded with an open letter to students in Lansing offering free copies to any student requesting one. Many have been requested.”

Matthew Shepard’s parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, co-founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and leading advocates for LGBTQ rights, will travel to Tucson for the anniversary performance.

“The Laramie Project continues to be relevant today, as hatred and division cloud our efforts towards equality,” said Judy Shepard. “Yet it is the courage of the performers to engage in what can be an emotional and sometimes controversial process that helps sustain my optimism and ignite my eagerness to continue this critical advocacy work.”

About The Laramie Project
Since its world premiere in 2000, The Laramie Project has attained prominence in the modern American theatrical canon and in mainstream culture more broadly. At its premiere, the Associated Press wrote that it was “astonishing… nothing less than an examination of the American psyche at the end of the millennium.” Nearly 20 years later, it was named in The New York Times’ “25 Best American Plays since Angels in America,” a list of plays remarkable for its diversity of playwrights and subjects and “because the most exciting theatre is often about the most urgent issues in the world it reflects.”

Pierotti and his Tectonic collaborators adapted the play into a feature film produced by HBO, for which they each earned Emmy nominations. By 2018, HBO had estimated that the film had been viewed by an international audience numbering more than twenty million. In 2009, President Obama acknowledged the play’s influence by inviting Tectonic’s artistic director and head playwright, Moisés Kaufman, to represent the company in the White House Rose Garden when he signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Junior Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law.

The Laramie Project has had over 3,000 licensed productions and has been translated into thirty languages. In TFTV’s production, the primary cast will feature both BFA and BA Theatre students – performing together onstage in a school first.

Laramie Inside Out screening
Also marking the anniversary, a screening of Laramie Inside Out, the documentary by TFTV Professor Beverly Seckinger, will take place at the Loft Cinema on Oct. 10. Born and raised in Laramie, Seckinger’s award-winning film offers a distinctly personal perspective. Seckinger and Pierotti, now TFTV colleagues, first met while conducting their research in Laramie 25 years ago.

Matthew Shepard’s Legacy: Then and Now
The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television and the LGBTQ+ Institute present Matthew Shepard’s Legacy: Then and Now, an in-person conversation with Judy and Dennis Shepard together with panelists including local community advocates for transgender youth and families, Lizette Trujillo and her son Daniel Trujillo. Moderated by Carol Brochin, Associate Professor, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies and Affiliate Faculty, LGBTQ+ Institute. Since their son’s murder in 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard have worked tirelessly to transform our country’s thinking and legislation to protect LGBTQ + people. In Arizona, Lizette and Daniel Trujillo have been on the front lines fighting for the protection, recognition, and inclusion of the transgender community. A personal and timely conversation about Matthew Shepard’s legacy, how it has changed the world, and where the work of cultural transformation goes from here. This event will take place on Thursday Oct. 19, 7pm-8pm, on campus at the Gallagher Theatre in the Student Union. Entry is free.

Performances of The Laramie Project will take place in the Tornabene Theatre on campus at the University of Arizona from Oct. 12-22, with a preview performance on Saturday, Oct. 7. Judy and Dennis Shepard will take part in a post-performance discussion on Friday, Oct. 20.

Season subscription packages and single tickets are on sale now. More information is available at theatre.arizona.edu.

Contact
Kerryn Negus
Director, Advancement and External Relations
School of Theatre, Film & Television
knegus@arizona.edu

TUCSON, Ariz.- The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is excited to announce a unique and historic season of plays for the 2023/24 season. From October 2023, TFTV will invite audiences to the Tornabene Theatre and the newly renovated Marroney Theatre to watch the school’s emerging actors, designers, and technicians display their talents.

Leading the new season is the School’s new Head of Acting/Musical Theatre and new Arizona Repertory Theatre (ART) Artistic Director, Associate Professor Danny Gurwin. The renowned educator, director, and actor brings years of prominent stage and screen experience to the role. Gurwin’s Broadway credits include Little Women, Urinetown, The Full Monty, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and A Little Night Music among others, countless off-Broadway credits include Shakespeare’s R & J, Forbidden Broadway, A New Brain, The Thing About Men, and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, while his television credits range from Law & Order to The Young and the Restless.

“What makes this performance season unique is that it marks some important milestones,” Gurwin said. “In the Spring of 2024, we reopen the renovated Marroney Theatre with a masterwork musical in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. We are also proud to present the deeply moving The Laramie Project, directed by my TFTV colleague Greg Pierotti, one of its authors and original cast members. Two other titles in this year’s line-up are currently running on Broadway. It’s truly an eclectic and exciting collection of plays, musicals, myths, comedies and classics. As ART’s new Artistic Director, I am beyond proud to share all of these notable shows with our audiences.”

ART, the public laboratory and showcase for TFTV’s professional actor training program, will present The Thanksgiving Play, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sweeney Todd, and Much Ado About Nothing. The Next Performance Collective, an initiative of the School’s Theatre Studies division, will present The Laramie Project (in collaboration with ART) and Argonautika, along with the third annual New Directions Festival. All productions will be supported by students in the BFA Design and Technical Production program.

Subscription packages for TFTV’s new theatre season are now on sale. Individual tickets will be available from August 23. More information is available at theatre.arizona.edu.

TFTV 2023/24 Theatre Season

The Laramie Project
OCTOBER 7 —22, 2023 in the Tornabene Theatre
Directed by Greg Pierotti
by Moisés Kaufman and the Members of Tectonic Theater Project

In 1998, members of Tectonic Theater Project traveled to Laramie, Wyoming to explore the town’s response to the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay university student. The result of that exploration is this play: a story about love, hate, hope, fear, and courage in an American town. Join us for the 25th anniversary presentation of a ground-breaking theatrical experience, directed by its original co-writer and performer.

The Thanksgiving Play
OCTOBER 8 – 22, 2023 in the Tornabene Theatre
Directed by Randy Reinholz
by Larissa FastHorse
“The Thanksgiving Play” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

When a troupe of really, really well-meaning theater artists attempt to put on a culturally sensitive Thanksgiving school pageant, things get messy. A wickedly funny satire from Larissa FastHorse.

Jesus Christ Superstar
NOVEMBER 12 – DECEMBER 3, 2023 in the Tornabene Theatre
Directed and Choreographed by Christie Kerr
Musical Direction by Jamie Reed
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber & Lyrics by Tim Rice
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com

A thrilling rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.

Sweeney Todd
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – A Musical Thriller
FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 17, 2024 in the Marroney Theatre
Directed by Danny Gurwin
Choreographed by Christie Kerr
Musical Direction by Jamie Reed
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler. From an Adaptation by Christopher Bond. Originally Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince. Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. Originally Produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in Association with Dean and Judy Manos.
SWEENEY TODD is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

We reopen the Marroney Theatre with this dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th century London.

Argonautika
MARCH 24 – APRIL 7, 2024 in the Tornabene Theatre
Directed by Tioni Collins
Written by Mary Zimmerman
Adapted from The Voyage of Jason and the Argonauts.
Gaius Valerius Flaccus – Translated by David R. Slavitt.
Apollonius Rhodius – Translated by Peter Green.
World premiere by the Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago.

Mary Zimmerman’s mesmerizing play recounts the adventures of Jason and his crew aboard the Argo on a perilous mission to cross the forbidden ocean in a quest for the Golden Fleece.

Much Ado About Nothing
APRIL 14 – 28, 2024 in the Marroney Theatre
Directed by David Morden
by William Shakespeare

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies, Much Ado About Nothing tells the story of two very different couples fighting for love while battling matchmaking and manipulation.

New Directions Festival
MARCH 21 – 31, 2024 in the Harold Dixon Directing Studio
Note: The New Directions Festival is offered separately from the subscription season package.

Join us in the Spring for the third annual New Directions Festival. The Festival showcases 100% student-created, student-designed, and student-performed content, allowing BA students to tell their stories through voices that are uniquely their own.

TUCSON, Ariz. – The School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) is proud to present the second annual New Directions Festival, onstage in the Harold Dixon Studio, April 21-30. The Festival showcases six short plays that are completely student-created, student-designed, and student-performed.

“The New Directions Festival is such a great opportunity for students to show off their creativity,” says student Jakob Carpenter. “For a lot of the playwrights this is their first time having their work being produced, and for some it’s the first play they’ve ever written. It’s important that Theatre Studies students have this platform to not only show off their creativity but to speak on issues that are important not only to them but their community and generation.”

The Festival comprises the following plays:

• Tracks by Jake Carpenter, directed by Erika Brittain, dramaturgy by Yliana Mendoza
• Meddling by Karina Cabrera, directed by Jakob Carpenter, dramaturgy by Yliana Mendoza
  Torment by Cailan Compierchio, directed by Jess Scott, dramaturgy by Sophia Harrigan
  No Me Queda Más by Melanie Moreno, directed by Lisitte Mora, dramaturgy by Emma Wilkins
• Paperwork by Kathryn Kulaga, directed by Karina Cabrera, dramaturgy by Emma Wilkins
• Crystal Clear by Jordan Buck directed by Taylor Swingle, dramaturgy by Sophia Harrigan

This production will have eight performances between Apr. 21 – 30, 2023, including a special post-show discussion with cast and crew on Friday, April 28. Ticket discounts are available. This production qualifies for our newly announced free student ticket program.

What The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television presents the NEW DIRECTIONS FESTIVAL
Where Harold Dixon Directing Studio, 1025 N Olive Rd, Tucson AZ 85719
When April 21-30, 2023
Tickets theatre.arizona.edu/shows/new-directions-festival-2/

Contact
Kerryn Negus
Director, Advancement and External Relations
School of Theatre, Film & Television
knegus@arizona.edu