USD Theatre Announces 2021-2022 Season
USD begins its season with a long-awaited reveal of its newly remodeled Wayne S. Knutson Theatre with “Fun Home.” Based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir, this musical is an intimate story of coming of age, coming to terms and coming out of the closet. This powerful show was the first musical with an all-female writing team to win Tony awards for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. “Fun Home” runs Sept. 23–26, 2021.
Next up is “The Lion in Winter,” a perennial favorite of theatregoers everywhere. It’s Christmas Eve, 1183, and Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and their three ambitious sons are all vying for power, love or survival. This witty comic drama (or dramatic comedy) by James Goldman runs Nov. 19–21 and Dec. 2–5, 2021.
USD starts 2022 with the premiere of “These Women of Troy,” a new adaptation of Euripides. Written by USD’s Joe Stollenwerk, assistant professor of directing, this play infuses Ancient Greek tragedy and mythology with a contemporary sensibility and commentary. Written in free verse and in a timeless setting, “These Women of Troy” runs Feb. 17–20, 2022.
The season comes to a close with the delightful musical comedy “Triumph of Love.” Mistaken identities, slapstick, wit and romance come together when Princess Léonide and her faithful servant Corine dress themselves as men so that Léonide can win the affections of Agis. Based on an 18th century French comedy, the show blends commedia dell’arte with vaudeville and contemporary musical theatre style. With book by James Magruder, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and music by Jeffrey Stock, “Triumph of Love” runs April 20–24, 2022.
These four diverse shows will be presented in the Wayne S. Knutson Theatre with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.. Season tickets, which provide a 25% savings over standard ticket prices, are $45 for adults, $36 for senior citizens (62+), and $30 for youth (K-12) and non-USD students. A form for ordering season tickets can be downloaded from the USD Theatre website at www.usd.edu/theatre or can be requested by calling 605-658-3484 or emailing us at theatre@usd.edu.
USD is also pleased to present its first musical in decades in our intimate Arena Theatre with "[title of show]." This metatheatrical show examines what happens when two guys set out to write a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical. With book by Hunter Bell and music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen, this charming and unique show runs Oct. 21-24, 2021.
In March, USD will return with its popular annual Ron L. Moyer One-Act Plays, featuring short plays directed by graduate and advanced undergraduate directing students, running March 8–10, 2022.
Check out USD Theatre on Facebook and Instagram for interviews, videos, photos and discounts.
