On Stage: 2024-2025 Season
THEATRE AND DANCE AT WAYNE 2024-2025 SEASON
4 Plays • 2 Dance Concerts • 2 Musicals
With even more shows from our producing companies like Dance Workshop Concert, BFA Dance Capstone Showcase, To Sangana Concert, Motor City Cabaret Showcase, and more
I Hate Hamlet
by Paul Rudnick
October 4-12, 2024, in the STUDIO at the Hilberry Gateway
About the show: This comedic masterpiece explores the clash between Hollywood and classical theatre. Follow Andrew Rally, a TV actor reluctantly preparing to play Hamlet in Central Park. When he moves into John Barrymore's former apartment, he encounters the ghost of Barrymore, adding a supernatural twist to his struggle. Filled with uproarious moments and clever dialogue, this play is a rollercoaster of laughs, drama, and unexpected twists. Join us for an evening of comedic genius as we navigate the complexities of acting, love, and the timeless question – to Hamlet or not to Hamlet?
Into the Woods
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by James Lapine
November 1-10, 2024, on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway
About the show: Into the Woods is a musical masterpiece that weaves together beloved fairy tales. 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. Follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. What happens if everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results?
for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf
by Ntozake Shange
November 22 - December 8, 2024 in the STUDIO at the Hilberry Gateway
About the Show: Filled with passion, humor, and raw honesty, legendary playwright/poet Ntozake Shange's form-changing choreopoem tells the stories of seven Black women using poetry, song and movement. With unflinching honesty and emotion, each woman voices her survival story of having to exist in a world shaped by sexism and racism.
December Dance Concert
Featuring new work by distinguished guest artists, faculty and students!
December 6-8, 2024, on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway
About the show: 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 is suitable for the entire family, and features an array of dance styles and music to be enjoyed.
Tartuffe
Written by Molière and adapted by Richard Wilbur
January 31 - February 9, 2025 on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway
About the show: Tartuffe by Molière, a 1664 comedic play, satirizes religious hypocrisy. The central character, Tartuffe, is a deceitful imposter who hoodwinks the wealthy Orgon with false piety. Despite Tartuffe's obvious fraudulence, Orgon remains blind to his faults. Orgon's family, particularly his wife Elmire, attempts to expose Tartuffe's true nature through comedic schemes. The play delves into themes of hypocrisy, gullibility, and the perils of blind faith. Tartuffe became one of Molière's masterpieces, celebrated for its wit and sharp critique of societal norms, and it continues to be performed today.
The Prom
Music by Matthew Skylar, Lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a Book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin
March 28 - April 6, 2025 on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway
About the show: The Prom is 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. With infectious energy and a powerful message, 'The Prom' delivers an uplifting experience that celebrates the transformative magic of the stage and the importance of embracing diversity.
Emilia
by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm
April 11-19, 2025, in the STUDIO at the Hilberry Gateway
About the show: Discover the untold story of Emilia Bassano, a trailblazing poet and feminist voice of the Renaissance, in Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's captivating play, Emilia. Set in Elizabethan England, the play follows Emilia's journey from obscurity to empowerment as she navigates a society dominated by men. With a blend of humor, passion, and raw emotion, Emilia celebrates female resilience and the power of women's voices throughout history. This empowering production sheds light on forgotten heroines and ignites a fiery call for equality and recognition. Join us for an inspiring and exhilarating theatrical experience that will leave you moved and empowered.
96th Annual Spring Dance Concert
Featuring new work by distinguished guest artists, faculty and students
April 18-19, 2025, on the STAGE at the Hilberry Gateway
About the show: 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.
2024-2025 Season Graphic Designers
This season's artwork was designed by Marianne Samano and Josie Curtis. Learn more about the designers and their work here: 2024-2025 Season Artwork Graphic Designers Dance photography by Erika Ruch.
COMPANY SHOWS
Company One
December 7, 2024 • Hilberry Gateway Stage
Company One provides entertainment and education through exciting dance performances designed for audiences of all ages both on campus and at venues throughout metro-Detroit. Company One dance productions create a lively experience through the use of contemporary dance choreography, narration, technology, and music. Each program features the choreography of company dancers, local artists, and esteemed national guest artists.
To Sangana
February 22, 2025 • Hilberry Gateway Studio
This dynamic dance company thrills audiences with Congolese and Pan-African-derived dance and drum presentations, guaranteed to inspire, invigorate, educate, and entertain. The company celebrates rich cultural traditions from the African heritage, as well as the contemporary African-American experience.
Dance Workshop
February 28 - March 1, 2025 • Hilberry Gateway Studio
Dance Workshop is a student produced-company at Wayne State University that gives its members a creative outlet to choreograph, perform, and grow as artists. The company aims to embody all characteristics of a professional dance company including showcase, outreach, fundraising, and publicity responsibilities. Dance Workshop continues to strive for excellence and innovation in the education of emerging artists in the dance world.
Freedom Players
April 25-26, 2025 • Hilberry Gateway Studio
Freedom Players is one of the two ensembles produced by the Black Theatre and Dance Collective. In our efforts to reflect the times of our ever-changing socio-political climate, Freedom Players is committed to performing works centered on illuminating social justice themes. Our productions and outreach programs strive to use the performing arts as a bridge between communities. We tour our current shows or offer workshops to the students in DPSCD and the Detroit Metro Community, to utilize performance as a means for open conversations about race, status and social norms.
Motor City Cabaret (MCC)
April 25-26, 2025 • Hilberry Gateway Studio
Motor City Cabaret (MCC) is a musical theatre performance and outreach program that tours a family-friendly and LGBTQIA+ inclusive, musical revue to local schools, libraries, and community centers. Our program aims to create an awareness and appreciation of the art of theatre and dance through an energetic and informative hour-long performance. Our shows are devised by our Musical Theatre students and faculty and include the best numbers from Broadway’s most recognizable shows.
The Underground
The Underground productions are student-led and student-run, allowing aspiring artists to discover, create, and present their theatre and dance visions. The series offers an array of stories and experiences. Audiences will emerge enlightened and entertained.
Ticket Information and Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I can’t make my performance?
All ticket sales are final, and we do not offer refunds. Ticket buyers may exchange their tickets for a different date of the same or different production no later than 48 hours before the original performance date. There is a $2 fee per ticket (no fee for season ticket holders). Tickets may only be exchanged for Theatre and Dance season productions.
Exchanging your tickets is easy: contact Wayne State Box Office at 313-577-2972 or boxoffice@wayne.edu or come to the box office. Please have your tickets in hand at the time of exchange unless held at will call. Please note that select events or promotions may not be eligible for exchange. All exchanges are subject to availability.
- What if the performance is canceled?
In the unlikely event of a canceled performance, ticket holders are offered the option of attending another performance of the same production (pending availability) or exchanging their ticket for a different performance.
- When performances sell out, is there a waiting list line? What is the policy?
Cancellation lines form in person thirty minutes prior to the performance for sold-out performance events in the Hilberry Gateway lobby. Seats that become available are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
- How many shows are included in Season Tickets?
6 shows. Choose the GATEWAY PACKAGE for tickets to every play and musical in the season or the PICK 6 PACKAGE and select the six theatre and dance productions you want to see this season.
- Is there a difference between being a subscriber and a season ticket holder?
No. Subscribers and Season Ticket holders receive the same great benefits.
- Is seating in the Hilberry Gateway general admission?
The STAGE seating is reserved. The STUDIO seating is general admission.
- What time do doors open prior to a performance?
Doors open 1/2 hour prior to performance start time unless held by production, which is rare.
Last updated March 6, 2024.