BYU Theatre Announces 2023-2024 Season Full of “Adventure and Discovery”
The upcoming season of theatre performances boasts classics and innovations across a variety of genres and emotions
What do a light switch, a secret key, a rocket ship and a pair of mixed-up lovers have in common? They all feature prominently in the plays showing at BYU this season.
BYU Theatre has put together an exciting lineup of classic and modern productions for its 2023-2024 season. This season boasts fun and family-oriented productions alongside more serious stage plays.
“After a tremendously successful first season in the West Campus venues, BYU Theatre is tailoring its 2023-2024 season to these innovative new spaces and its resilient and creative student and faculty collaborators,” said BYU Theatre Artistic Director Stephanie Breinholt.
Productions for the upcoming season include “The Secret Garden“ and “The House of Desires,“ as well as “The Tempest.“ Patrons can also enjoy the work of up-and-coming student playwrights with an evening of “Microburst Theatre.”
October Productions:
The season will begin with Frederick Knott’s famous suspense story, “Wait Until Dark.” In 1966 Greenwich Village, Susy Hendrix, recently blinded in an accident, is terrorized by three con artists in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susy discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion.
Come support new voices in theatre storytelling with “Microburst New Play Festival.” This fast-paced, annual festival showcases the best of student playwriting in an evening of short plays, performed by an ensemble of bright young actors. With comedy, mystery and heartfelt storytelling, this new work festival highlights talented young artists. Support new work and become acquainted with the next generation of playwrights who will change the world.
November Productions:
“The Secret Garden” will take the stage in November. The beloved classic children’s book comes to life as a young, orphaned girl is sent to live with her reclusive uncle on his estate in Yorkshire, England. When she discovers the key to a neglected garden, she reawakens the magic locked inside the secret garden walls. A beautiful tale of forgiveness and renewal, this Tony Award-winning musical explores the transformative power of “a bit of earth.”
Young Company, BYU’s touring troupe for children, will present “The Boy at the Edge of Everything.” In the middle of his overscheduled young life, Simon dreams of a place where he can just stop and be. Meanwhile, at the farthest point in the universe, the boy at the edge of everything lives by himself, lonely and bored. When Simon is rocketed into space, their worlds collide. Curiosity, friendship and imagination take flight when this small boy with big ideas travels all the way to the edge. This production is tailored to children but provides plenty for adults to appreciate.
March Production:
A Spanish Golden Age romantic farce, “The House of Desires” is a wild tale of confusion and mistaken identity complete with wily servants and witless nobles. In a new, critically acclaimed adaptation, the play examines the agency of women in a time when they were subject to strict social codes.
April Production:
BYU’s Young Company will present its annual Shakespeare performance–this season: “The Tempest.” Using flotsam and jetsam found on the shore after a storm, beachcombing storytellers piece together a mysterious story of wonder. Puppetry, music and magic come into play as young people are invited to help tell the tale. Though adapted for elementary school-aged children, older audience members will recognize the mirth and shadows of Shakespeare’s masterful final play.
Spring Production:
“Blithe Spirit” will close out the season with a magical note. When a cantankerous novelist seeking to gather material for his next book hosts a séance that backfires, he is soon tormented by the ghost of his late first wife. A supernatural sensation and smash comedy hit, this “improbable farce in three acts” is one of Noël Coward’s most revived plays.
“The upcoming season will explore a variety of genres and styles,” said Breinholt. “From a spine-tingling thriller to a musical based on a beloved children’s book; from a swashbuckling comedy from the Spanish Golden Age to celebrating student work and theatre for young audiences, this season brings adventure, transformation and discovery to the West Campus stages.”
The full list of 2023-2024 performances can be found at TheatreSeason.byu.edu.
Season tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 24, at tickets.byu.edu/arts/theatre, in person at the Marriott Center box office or by phone at 801-422-2981. Season ticket purchasers enjoy savings on each ticket, free ticket exchanges, priority offers to other attractions and first access to the best seats at the best prices. If you’d prefer to build your own Arts Pass to include Department of Theatre, School of Music, Department of Dance and BRAVO! performances, set a reminder for July 26 at 10 a.m.
Single-event tickets will go on sale at a later time. Due to the nature of live performances, all productions, prices and dates are subject to change.