• Book by David Simpatico
• Songs by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil; Ray Cham, Greg Cham and Andrew Seeley; Randy Petersen and Kevin Quinn; Andy Dodd and Adam Watts; Bryan Louiselle; David N. Lawrence and Faye Greenberg; and Jamie Houston
• Music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle
• Based on a Disney Channel original movie written by Peter Barsocchini
• Directed by Joey Banks
• Musical direction by Dr. Chris Hollingsworth
• Choreography by Josey Pickett

Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on our stage! Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High deal with first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. This upbeat musical will have audience members tapping their toes and dancing in their seats!

• Book by Adam Hester
• Music by Jenavene Bazacas
• Lyrics by Conrad Hester
• Additional music/lyrics by Martha Vickers Heady
• Music arrangements by Joseph Mohan
• Directed by Adam Hester

A musical romance infused with humor and heartache, After Zoey captures the passion of a 16-year-old dreamer who yearns for a full and healthy life as she battles a critical illness. Zoey exasperates her mother and sister with her cavalier attitude toward her health, but also finds in them her biggest champions. As a series of boyfriends sneak through her bedroom window, Zoey discovers love and a glimpse of eternity. After Zoey is a heart-warming, life-affirming musical.

This new musical was first workshopped in New York City and later at the ACU Theatre. The five-member cast includes Zoey; her sister, Connie; their mother, Mrs. Agnew; Cliff, the boy Zoey can’t get over; and other boyfriends (played by the same actor). These relationships reveal both Zoey’s wisdom beyond her years and her convictions about family and faith.

ACU theatre alumna Alisha Taylor (’17)

CU theatre alumna Alisha Taylor (’17)reflected on the journey of filming her first documentary focusing on the Black history narrative in Abilene. Taylor’s film has been accepted into the Queens Underground International Black History Film Festival in New York City.

MORE ABOUT LIGHTS UP!

• Book by Dennis Kelly
• Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
• Directed by Joey Banks
• Music direction by Dr. Chris Hollingsworth
• Choreography by Lily Balogh and Caitlin Martin

Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is a captivating masterpiece by Dennis Kelly with original songs by Tim Minchin. Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and a powerful imagination. Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl-power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. The musical will include ACU’s full orchestra, conducted by Dr. Steven Ward (’92).

Study Guide Playbill

• Music and book by James Valcq
• Lyrics and book by Fred Alley
• Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
• Directed by Dawne Meeks

A feisty young woman has a chance for a new start to follow her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. The Grill is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy convinces Hannah to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars, and the best essay on why you want the Grill wins. Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow and things really start cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill.

MORE ABOUT THE SPITFIRE GRILL

Directed and Choreographed by Broadway veteran dancer Lauren Hamilton

One Night Only is back by popular demand! Guest director/choreographer Lauren Hamilton creates a dynamic and stirring night of beautiful dance, inspired by Broadway shows.
A Broadway veteran, Lauren graced the NYC stage in Wicked on Broadway. This enchanting night of dance was followed by a reception in the Lipford Lobby.
Playbill

Directed by Alisha Taylor

We are thrilled to launch Tapestry, an evening of scenes and songs celebrating our ACU Theatre students of color. ACU Theatre alumna Alisha Taylor, an actress, documentary filmmaker and choreographer, weaves stories of truth, faith, justice and hope. A light reception will follow in the Lipford Lobby.

Paybill

• By John Bishop
• Directed and costumed by Catherine Baumgardner

The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher”) assemble for a backer’s audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy “angel.” The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people. This comic mayhem whodunit will treat the audience to a side-splitting good time and a generous serving of the author’s refreshingly irreverent wit.

Study Guide

Playbill

• From the book by Kate DiCamillo
• Adapted by Dwayne Hartford
• Directed by Caleb Shields

Edward Tulane is an expensive toy rabbit made of china. He is loved by a little girl named Abilene, but Edward doesn’t care. He is vain and self-centered and has no interest in anyone other than himself. On an ocean voyage, Edward is accidentally thrown overboard and sinks to the bottom of the sea. So begins his journey – a journey over which he has no control, for he is a toy rabbit and can neither move nor speak. Through this miraculous journey, Edward learns what it is to love, what it is to lose that love, and how to find the courage to love again. Based on Kate DiCamillo’s beautiful novel of the same name, the play is a theatrical tour de force for a small ensemble of actors and musicians.

Playbill

Study Guide