The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University is thrilled to announce its 2024-2025 season, marking the second year of performances in the new Hilberry Gateway. The upcoming season highlights creative talent from up-and-coming student artists, supported by renowned guest artists, directors, and faculty. With four plays, two musicals, and two dance concerts, there is a wide variety of entertainment for audiences to enjoy this upcoming season. 

About the Shows 

"I Hate Hamlet" by Paul Rudnick, Oct. 4-12, in the STUDIO at the Hilberry Gateway 

Follow struggling actor Andrew Rally as he navigates his conflicting emotions towards Shakespeare's iconic Hamlet, while being haunted by the ghost of John Barrymore, an actor best known for his portrayals of Hamlet This play is a witty and entertaining exploration of art, ambition and the supernatural and promises an unforgettable performance. 

"Into the Woods" Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by James Lapine, Nov. 1-10, on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway 

A musical masterpiece that weaves together beloved fairy tales, such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and several more. Stephen Sondheim's enchanting score and James Lapine's clever script take audiences into a magical forest where iconic characters confront their desires and face the consequences of their wishes. 

"for colored girls who considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf" by Ntozake Shange, Nov. 22-Dec. 8, in the STUDIO at the Hilberry Gateway 

Through dance, music and poetry, seven Black women defy hardship, weaving tales of love and self-discovery. Sisterhood illuminates their path, igniting their spirit and revealing their inner radiance. Twenty poems showcase the struggles and hardships of being a Black woman in America, while also showcasing that the struggles are not solitary struggles. By sharing in community, the women find the strength to go on. 

December Dance Concert, Dec. 6-8, on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway 

Come witness the collective works of students, faculty and guest artists this fall on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway in the annual December Dance Concert. This concert features an array of dance styles and music to be enjoyed. 

"Tartuffe" by Molière, translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur, Jan. 22-Feb. 9, on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway 

A timeless comedic masterpiece that satirizes religious hypocrisy. Follow the hilarious schemes of Orgon's family as they unveil the deceit of Tartuffe, an imposter cloaked in false piety. With witty humor and sharp critique, this play explores themes of hypocrisy and blind faith, delivering a timeless and entertaining satire.

"The Prom" Book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, Book by Bob Martin, Music by Matthew Sklar, March 28-April 6, on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway 

A dazzling Broadway sensation that combines humor, heart and show-stopping performances. When a group of self-absorbed Broadway stars discover a small town's prom controversy, they rush to help and to restore their own reputations. This high-energy musical, fueled by catchy tunes and poignant moments, navigates themes of love and acceptance. 

"Emilia" by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, April 11-19, in the STUDIO at the Hilberry Gateway 

Three women star as one in this powerful and inspiring play that brings to life the untold story of Emilia Bassano, a brilliant poet and feminist trailblazer from the Elizabethan era. With captivating storytelling, the play explores themes of identity, equality and the enduring strength of women. A must-see theatrical experience with profound contemporary relevance. 

96th Annual Spring Dance Concert, April 18-19, on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway 

End the academic year at Wayne State University by taking in the 96th annual Spring Dance Concert. This event will feature works created and curated by students, faculty and guest artists spanning an array of dance styles suitable for the entire family to witness and be inspired by. 

The Companies 

Undergraduate producing companies will present additional new and exciting works throughout the season, including Company One’s performance in the Fall 2024 semester. The Winter 2025 semester includes performances by Company Fresh (1st-year theatre and dance majors write and perform newly devised work), Dance Workshop (third- and fourth-year dance majors present new work with a focus on technology and digital literacy), To Sangana (Contemporary African dance touring ensemble), Motor City Cabaret (Musical Theatre showcase, touring) and B.F.A. Dance Capstone (Graduating dance majors). 

About Season Subscriptions

There are two packages: the standard six-theatre show package and a "pick-six" option where subscribers can select six of eight productions from the season. Benefits of purchasing a season subscription include preferred seats on the STAGE and early access to buy tickets.

For more information about tickets and pricing, visit our website at theatreanddance.wayne.edu/onstage. Single tickets go on sale Sept. 3, 2024.

About Theatre and Dance at Wayne 

Theatre and Dance at Wayne is the producing entity of the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, a department within the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts at Wayne State University.

The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in theatre and dance, including a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre; Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in either Performance, Design and Technology, or Stage Management; Bachelor of Science in Dance; Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance; Master of Fine Arts in Set Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Stage Management, and Theatre Management; Master of Arts in Teaching Artistry; and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration. Minors are available in Africana Theatre and Dance; Theatre Design and Technology, Theatre, Theatre Management, Dance, Community and Studio Dance.

Additional information on academic programs can be found at theatreanddance.wayne.edu

About the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts 

The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts is home to today’s aspiring artists, performers, technicians, scholars, dancers, debaters, entrepreneurs, and communication professionals who all represent the college’s legacy of excellence in our respective fields.

The college serves students majoring in 17 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs and three graduate certificates through its departments: the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History and Design, the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, and the departments of communication and music.

From debate to dance, jazz to journalism, and fashion design to center stage, our students create captivating performances, inspire artistic and academic excellence, and conduct innovative research on behalf of our Detroit community. 

About Wayne State University 

Wayne State University is one of the nation’s preeminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world.

For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit research.wayne.edu