VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO AM) -- The University of South Dakota Department of Theatre season brings to the Wayne S. Knutson Theatre a rock musical, a Shakespearean Classic, guest artists and a family musical that is sure to please audiences of all ages. The 2014-15 season opens Sept. 26-Oct. 5 with the cutting edge musical “Next to Normal,” winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for best drama. This powerful musical brings mental health and the loss of a loved one to the forefront and highlights just how detrimental, frustrating and frightening it can be.
Feuding families, murder, betrayal and star-crossed lovers will hit the stage in November with one of Shakespeare’s most beloved tragedies, “Romeo and Juliet.”Performing Nov. 21-Dec. 7, this powerful and classic love story focuses on Romeo and Juliet as they endure everything that comes their way and never waning in their love for each other.
The spring semester begins with guest artists Native Voices and their original play “Stand Off at HWY #37,” Feb. 19-22. “Stand Off at HWY #37” is a dramatic tale about political and spiritual conviction. Native Voices is a group of artists devoted to developing and producing new works for the stage by Native American, Alaska Native and First Nations playwrights.
The main stage season concludes with the family-friendly musical “Seussical,” April 16-27. Featuring beloved characters of Dr. Seuss, lyrical and rhythmic books come to life in this charming and fun musical where The Cat in the Hat tells us the story of how Horton the elephant saves the city of Who-Ville.
All performances are at the Wayne S. Knutson Theatre with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Season tickets, which provide a 25 percent savings over standard ticket prices, are $45 for adults, $36 for senior citizens (62+), $30 for youth (K-12) and non-USD students, and $15 for USD students with a valid ID. A form for ordering season tickets is available at www.usd.edu/theatre or can be requested by calling (605) 677-5400.