Manhattanville College is proud to announce its highly anticipated performing arts season for the upcoming academic year. The lineup for the 2023-24 season features returning favorites from the musical theatre, theatre, and dance programs, as well as the introduction of new programming that showcases the creativity and talent of the Valiant community.
“The Mad Ones” (September 30 – October 1, Pius X Hall)
“The Mad Ones” is a musical tells the story of Samantha Brown as she balances on the edge of her future, car keys in hand. As she sits in the driver’s seat, she faces a choice: will she follow in her mother’s footsteps, or take the dare of her impetuous best friend and chart a new path? Written by Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk, this production welcomes Kasey RT Graham, assistant director of the 2022 Broadway revival of “Take Me Out,” as special guest director. “The Mad Ones” is Manhattanville’s inaugural 29 Hour Musical, which means it is a workshop production with only 29 hours of rehearsal.
“Broadway Bound” (October 19 – October 22, The Little Theater)
“Broadway Bound” is part three of Neil Simon’s acclaimed autobiographical trilogy finds Eugene and his older brother Stanley trying to break into the world of show business as professional comedy writers while coping with their parents’ breakup and eventual divorce. When their material is broadcast on the radio for the first time, the family is upset to hear a thinly veiled portrait of themselves played for laughs. This play explores the concepts of the American Dream, family, and the immigrant experience. “Broadway Bound” is directed by Vinny Mraz.
“A Chorus Line” (November 2 – November 5, The Little Theater)
“A Chorus Line” is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers, the show features one powerhouse number after another and is famous for its iconic choreography. “A Chorus Line” is directed by Beth Burrier, with music direction by Chase Anderson and choreography by Jaime Frola.
Fall Dance Concert (November 16 – November 19, The Little Theater)
Featuring dances by industry leading choreographers, the Fall Dance Concert displays virtuosic technique and artistry through impeccable performances. Diverse dance styles are celebrated such as Commercial Jazz, Contemporary, Street Styles, Ballet, Latin, and African Dance. Innovative student choreographers are also highlighted on each program. The Fall Dance Concert is produced by Shawn Bible.
“Carousel” (February 22 – February 25, The Little Theater)
“Carousel” is the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about Billy Bigelow, a swaggering, carefree carnival barker, falls in love with and marries the sweet but naïve Julie Jordan. A stunning tale of hope, redemption, and the power of love, with a score that has become a part of the American songbook. “Carousel” is directed by Beth Burrier, with music direction by Chase Anderson.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” (Dates to be announced, The West Room – Reid Castle)
Two bachelors, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, are the protagonists of Oscar Wilde’s farcical comedy. Using their alter egos as cover, Jack, and Algernon struggle to keep their stories straight and end up tangled in a web of their own making. A comedic send-up of Victorian sensibilities, this play is a tale of truth, consequences, and identity. “The Importance of Being Earnest” is directed by Jeff Kaplan and is part of Theater in the Castle, a spring tradition for programming which typically features works from the classical canon presented in a non-traditional theatrical setting.
Spring Dance Concert (April 18 – April 21, The Little Theater)
The spring semester counterpart to the Fall Dance Concert, the Spring Dance Concert features work in a variety of dance styles from both student and guest choreographers. The Spring Dance Concert is produced by Shawn Bible.
Fresh Ink (April 22, The Ex Theater)
Started in 2019, Fresh Ink is Manhattanville College’s only new play reading series. The program is dedicated to providing graduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to share their new and original works for the stage and screen with the campus and Westchester Community. Since its inception, Fresh Ink has supported 8 new plays and television pilots and continues to grow. This season’s writer and director will be announced in Spring 2024.
Senior Thesis Festival (Dates to be announced, The Little Theater)
Senior thesis projects and senior recitals are the culminating performances for all graduating seniors. Students have the opportunity to create original pieces of dance and theater as well as musical theater concerts featuring songs selected by students and faculty advisors. The work is a culmination of students four years of study in the program and the festival is a celebration of their growth as individuals and artists.
The upcoming season will also include main stage production Wednesday matinees for high school student groups. On-campus visits include a campus tour, opportunities to speak with program faculty and current students, and culminate with a performance of a main stage production. For those unable to attend a workshop on-campus, guest workshops in dance, theater, and musical theater can be planned. To schedule a matinee or guest workshop visit, please contact Vincent.Mraz@mville.edu.
All performances are open to the public. For more information about tickets for the 2023-24 season, please contact BoxOffice@mville.edu. For more information about performing arts programs at Manhattanville, please contact FPA@mville.edu.
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