Theatre Arts – Current Productions
The Crucible runs April 19 – 28
Presented in the Mainstage Theatre at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at WCSU
About the Show
In the Puritan community of 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, a group of young girls are found dancing in the woods, and immediately fall ill. When no earthly cause can be determined, the citizens of Salem suspect that some more sinister force may be at hand. The Crucible, Arthur Miller’s remarkable 1953 play, remains as relevant as ever, and carries with it a stern warning: in every community torn by suspicion, the most dangerous threat may be the community itself.
The role of Abigail will be played by Anna Raymond on 4/17, 4/19, 4/20 at 8 PM, 4/27 at 2 PM and 4/28, and played by Jamishay Cammann on 4/18, 4/20 at 2 PM, 4/21, 4/26 and 4/27 at 8 PM.
Join us for a Community Conversation following the Saturday, 4/27 2 p.m. show featuring guestLeslie Lindenauer, Ph.D.
Dr. Lindenauer’s research focuses on gender, religious culture, and popular religion in early America. Her book, Piety and Power: Gender and Religious Culture in the American Colonies, 1630-1700, examines Protestant religion comparatively, in Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia, and suggests that Protestant culture was gendered and that women identified rare
moments of authority in the context of their religion. More recently she has been exploring the witch in popular culture, from 1700 to the Civil War. Dr. Lindenauer also has an academic and professional interest in public history; before pursuing her academic career, she worked as a museum educator and administrator, as an historical editor, and with organizations that employed historical discourse in political advocacy.
Dr. Lindenauer will be joined by WCSU Faculty Dramaturg Donald P. Gagnon, Ph.D. and WCSU Student Moderator Liv Lanteri.
WCSU student tickets are $10.00 and are available for purchase at the VPAC box office.
No refunds are permitted; all sales are final. Please note that tickets are subject to a higher price at the box office. The venue recommends purchasing your tickets in advance on wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com.
The Donkey Show: A Midsummer Night’s Disco runs April 5 – 14
Presented in the Studio Theatre at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at WCSU
About the Show
Join us for an unforgettable night at The Enchanted Rose! The Studio Theatre has been converted to a 1970’s night club, ready to welcome you to the ultimate disco experience. Tony Award winner Diane Paulus’s celebrated smash hit The Donkey Show: A Midsummer Night’s Disco is a crazy circus of mirror balls and feathered divas. Inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this disco-infused adaptation takes audiences on a wild, immersive journey through the magic and fairy-filled story — all the way to the dance floor, all underscored by ‘70s disco hits. The Donkey Show: A Midsummer Night’s Disco runs April 5-14 in the Studio Theatre of the Visual and Performing Arts Center. This production is directed by Sal Trapani. Viewing options include a VIP ticket, Traditional Seating ticket, and an Immersive ticket. Tickets are limited, so be sure to purchase in advance.
Please note that this show is double cast:
Cast Groov-A: Sander: Dylan Reynes, Tytania: Zola Kneeland, Dimitri: Jeremiah Godley, Mia: Olivia Stokes, Helen: Majella Maltempi, Disco Girl: Asia Aloma. Performs 4/6, 4/12, 4/14
Cast B-Cool: Sander: Sebastian Martelle, Tytania: Asia Aloma, Dimitri: Brian Cummins, Mia: Lauren Datillo, Helen: Chanelle Jaime- Guzman, Disco Girl: Zola Kneeland. Performs 4/5, 4/7, 4/13
Join us for a Community Conversation following the Saturday, 4/13 2 p.m. show featuringguest Hamid El Khalfi, Ph.D.
Dr. Hamid El Khalfi holds a Ph.D. in Literature (English and French Drama), Master of Arts (M.A.) in Drama in addition to a Postgraduate Certificate in Literature from the University of Essex, England. His doctorate has enabled him to teach across disciplines and he has taught English, English Literature, IDS (Interdisciplinary Studies), and various Language courses such as French and Arabic. His credentials in Literature and Linguistics, his multicultural background, and research interests over the past 20 years reflect his passion for communication, world languages, and diverse cultures. Alongside his teaching duties, he continues to develop courses and to give presentations on topics within all his fields of expertise.
Dr. Hamid El Khalfi will be joined by WCSU Faculty Dramaturg Donald P. Gagnon, Ph.D. and WCSU Student Moderator Lauren Schiffer.
This show is recommended for ages 18+.
No refunds are permitted; all sales are final. Please note that tickets are subject to a higher price at the box office. The venue recommends purchasing your tickets in advance on wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com.
Due to the immersive nature of this show, if you require a wheelchair accessible seat or accommodation, please email Eric Gomez, VPAC Events Coordinator, at gomeze@wcsu.edu. Thank you!
Click here to purchase tickets.
Announcing our 2024-2025 season!
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Runs October 11 - 20, 2024.
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods from sorority girl to Harvard law student, tackling stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances, this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! Directed and choreographed by Russell Garrett, music directed by Justin P. Cowan.
Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika
Runs November 1 - 10, 2024.
Following the success of our Fall 2023 production of Angels in America, Part One, part two of Tony Kushner's epic tale of homosexuality, politics, and religion in 1980's New York explores relationships, friendships and loss as the AIDS epidemic worsens. Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama Angels in America is one of the great American plays of this past century. Directed by Tim Howard.
The Mound Builders
Runs November 22 - 24, 2024.
At an archeological dig in the Midwest, a party of university scientists are unearthing vestiges of a lost indigenous civilization. They are joined by family, associates, and an outsider with ulterior motives. The play interweaves past and present, probing into the lives and conflicts of these disparate people. Their story reveals the lessons of our past and illuminates our collective blindness as we navigate the future. Directed by Pam McDaniel.
Sunday in the Park with George
Runs February 21 - March 2, 2025.
Inspired by the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, this musical merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love, and the art of creation. This moving study of the enigmatic painter Georges Seurat by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine won a Pulitzer Prize and was nominated for ten Tony Awards. Be sure to check out Color & Light, an exhibition by the Department of Art, on view during the run of this production. Directed by Justin P. Cowan.
Curse of the Starving Class
Runs April 4 - 13, 2025.
Sam Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class is a darkly comic look into the world of the dysfunctional Tate family, as they struggle amongst themselves for food, freedom, and purpose in their run-down lives. The Tates will do just about anything to raise themselves out of the downward spiral into which they’ve fallen. But is it even possible? Or are some families, Shepard asks, just cursed from the start? Directed by Sal Trapani.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Runs May 2 - 11, 2025.
A progressive white couple's proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her black fiance home to meet them. Blindsided by their daughter's whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family--especially in 1967. Directed by Donna Baldwin-Bradby.
All events take place in the Visual and Performing Arts Center on WCSU's Westside Campus. The Visual and Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University is the premiere educational arts facility in the region. This $98,000,000, 130,000 square foot arts center boasts a multitude of dynamic spaces to delight audiences and invigorate artists. Facilities include the 350-seat Veronica Hagman Concert Hall which features three-tiered, 360 degree seating, the 350-seat MainStage Theatre, the versatile Studio Theatre, and the stunning and vibrant Art Gallery. All spaces are equipped with the finest technology in the arts industry, enhancing the work that appears on stage and on exhibition. This state-of-the-art center provides immeasurable creative and collaborative opportunities for students, faculty and patrons. Since opening in 2014, the Visual and Performing Arts Center has solidified its reputation of offering Broadway-caliber theatre and renowned jazz and classical concerts with affordable ticket prices, and innovative gallery exhibitions at no cost to the community.
For Tickets to WCSU Visual & Performing Arts events please visit Eventbrite
Box Office: 203-837-8732
The box office is located in the VPAC lobby. For inquiries, please email svpa@wcsu.edu.
The box office is open:
Mondays 10 AM - 4 PM
Tuesdays 10 AM - 2 PM
Wednesdays 12 PM - 4 PM
Thursdays 10 AM - 2 PM
Fridays 10 AM - 4 PM
Location:
Directions to the School of Visual and Performing Arts:
The theatre entrance is located on Western’s Westside Campus
Click here for the Campus Map
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