2021 Production Schedule
BEEHIVE: The 60's Musical
June 16-19
8 p.m.
Created by Larry Gallagher
Directed by Sarah Wiggin
Presented in COGER THEATRE
It was the era of pop art, flower power, mini skirts and, of course, beehive hairdos! Legendary girl groups like the Chiffons, Shirelles and Supremes topped the charts, and dynamic performers like Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Janis Joplin gave voice to a generation. This jukebox musical tells the loose-knit story of six young women coming of age to the vibrant soundtrack of the Sixties. From plaintive love songs (“Be My Baby,” “Sweet Talkin’ Guy,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”) and bouncy pop tunes (“It’s My Party,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “One Fine Day”) to soulful R&B (“Chain of Fools,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Proud Mary,” “Never Loved a Man [The Way I Love You]”) and powerful anthems of the emerging women’s movement (“You Don’t Own Me,” “Respect”), Beehive: The 60’s Musical packs more than 30 timeless hits!
Get set for a blast from the past!
This production is sponsored by KSMU; KY3; The Old Glass Place, Al Miller & Roger Malarkey; Kristoffer Barefield, Attorney at Law; Penmac; Clinvest Research; Springfield Business Journal; TLC Properties; Ethel Curbow, Amax Real Estate; Kyle Insurance Services, where Medicare is our specialty.
THE 39 STEPS
June 23-26
8 p.m.
Written by Patrick Barlow
Concept by Nobby Dimon and Simon Corble
Directed by Joseph Price
Presented in COGER THEATRE
Suspense thriller meets riotous comedy in this fast-paced parody of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1935 film and John Buchan’s 1915 novel on which it was based.
When a mysterious woman is murdered in his London apartment, Richard Hannay suddenly finds himself embroiled in a deadly game of international intrigue. As the police pursue Richard, who’s been framed for the murder, he pursues a cunning ring of foreign agents before they can smuggle sensitive secrets out of the country.
The plot has many twists, but the real twist in this adaptation stems from limiting the cast to just four actors, who play more than 150 quick-change roles as they recreate every major scene from the original film along with clever allusions to other Hitchcock classics. The result is a hilarious homage to Hitchcock and the action adventure genre.
The 39 Steps will keep you laughing even as it keeps you on the edge of your seat!
This production is sponsored by KSMU; KY3; Dr Stephen Adams & Randall O. Doennig; Missouri State University Residence Life, Housing, and Dining Services; Springfield Black Tie, Inc; Chesterfield EyeWorks, Dr. William H. Holmes; Missouri State University Bookstore; Med-Pay, Inc; Springfield Business Journal, Greg and Judy McManus.
Special Encore Virtual Performance
THE SECRET GARDEN
June 29 - July 3
8 p.m.
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Based on the novel "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Directed by Robert Westenberg
Following the death of her parents in colonial India, eleven-year-old Mary is sent to live with her reclusive Uncle Archibald in the English countryside. Archibald still mourns the loss of his beautiful young wife a decade earlier, and his vast mansion is devoid of joy. His only child, ten-year-old Colin, is a sickly boy, confined to his room. Seeking to escape the gloom, Mary ventures outside and discovers a mysterious walled garden that has been locked since her aunt’s death. With the help of "The Dreamers" — protective spirits from her past — Mary resolves to bring the neglected garden back to life and restore the beauty that once was. A musical adaptation of the classic Victorian children’s book, The Secret Garden is an enchanting tale of hope and healing!
This production is sponsored by KSMU; KY3; Missouri State University Residence Life, Housing, and Dining Services; Springfield Business Journal, Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling