University Players 65th Season

2023-2024

 

Mac Beth

by Erica Schmidt

September 22 – October 1, 2023

 

A group of high school age girls gathers in an abandoned area to stage an amateur version of Macbeth, but the lines between fiction and reality are blurred as the ruthlessness of adolescence emerges. Using only Shakespeare’s text, Erica Schmidt’s adaptation of Macbeth is at once an empowering story of womanhood, and the gruesome and fatal effects of underlying resentment, anger and competition told within the space of two hours.

 

“It will have blood they say; blood must have blood.” – Mac Beth

 

Recommended Audience: Ages 14+. Violence.

Presented in Essex Hall Theatre

 

The Play That Goes Wrong

by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer

November 24-December 3, 2023

 

After years of casting and budgetary challenges, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is finally able to put on a spectacular full-scale production of The Murder at Haversham Manor, but little do they know the true challenges lie ahead. Join us for the opening night of this play-within-a-play, where anything that can go wrong WILL go wrong. Between unconscious actors and broken elevators, lost dogs and missed lines, watch as this madcap team attempts to solve a murder mystery while the play literally falls to pieces around them. This one will have audience members rolling in aisles!

 

 

 

Recommended Audience: ALL AGES

Presented in Essex Hall Theatre

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The Glass Menagerie

by Tennessee Williams

January 19 – 28, 2024

 

Tennessee Williams’ famous “memory play” traces the lives of Tom Wingfield, his mother Amanda, and his sister Laura, as they prepare for and host a gentleman caller, Jim O’Connor, in 1937 in St. Louis. Layered with ghosts and echoes of the past, the play explores the heartbreak and frustration that the Wingfield characters experience as they define who they are, who they ought be, and what they really wish for.

 

“Glass breaks so easily. No matter how careful you are.” -  Laura Wingfield

 

Recommended Audience: Ages 14+

Presented in Essex Hall Theatre

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Little Women

by Marian de Forest

March 15 - 24, 2024

 

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women” introduces audiences to the March women as their lives are impacted by the Civil War, young love, and the tragedy of death. Follow the responsible Meg, quick-tongued Jo, virtuous Beth, and artistic Amy in the timeless coming-of-age story.

 

“I haven’t the least idea of falling in love with him – or anybody else.” – Jo March

 

Recommended Audience: Ages 9+

Presented in Essex Hall Theatre