Current Productions

• Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
• Directed by Kyle A. Thomas
• North Mall Bear Paw Stage

Sooner or later, Death comes for everybody. In this contemporary reimagining of the 15th century morality play “The Summoning of Everyman,” the symbolic Everybody — a representative of all humankind — must give an accounting of their life to The Almighty before they can journey to the great beyond. In defending their life, Everybody calls upon personified concepts such as Friendship, Kinship, Stuff, Mind, Senses, Beauty, Strength, Evil, and Love. In a unique twist, roles are assigned to the cast by means of a random lottery at each performance, so the actors must memorize the entire script and be prepared to play any role. Prepare to ponder the meaning of existence as Everybody provides a fresh and witty perspective on life’s greatest mystery!

• Music by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Mary Rodgers, James Taylor, Lin-Manuel Miranda

• Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, James Taylor, Susan Birkenhead, Lin-Manuel Miranda

• Book by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso 

• Based on “Working” by Studs Terkel 

• Directed by Lisa Brescia

  Based on Studs Turkel’s 1974 best-selling book of interviews with everyday Americans, this contemporary musical shows that, for most people, a job is far more than just a paycheck; it’s an identity and a point of pride. During the course of one 24-hour day, we meet a cross-section of workers as they go about their interrelated occupations and reflect on their aspirations, frustrations, regrets and accomplishments. Their individual stories — told through a variety of song styles — are moving, humorous, and relatable. From factory workers to firefighters, schoolteachers to stonemasons, hedge fund managers to homemakers, the unsung heroes of the economy finally have their voices heard in Working!  

• Concert Coordinated by Azaria Hogans
• Craig Hall Outdoor Westside of Building

Encompassing beauty, grace, energy, strength and precision, the power of dance is conveyed from the senses to the soul. Once again, MSU Theatre and Dance presents a program of fresh creative works that push the boundaries of this multi-dimensional artform. From the playful to the profound, these original compositions reflect the diverse aesthetic and cultural perspectives of our resident and guest choreographers. Using the rich vocabulary of dance to express ideas and emotions without words, they seek to spark insights and engage the audience in conversations that will last beyond the performance. Prepare to be thrilled, delighted, challenged and inspired by this year’s Spring Dance Concert: Dancing the Next Dimension!