More than 5,000 people enjoyed a ‘Berg theatre production during the 2017-18 season. Growing on that success, the School of Music & Theatre will examine the complexity of humanity’s relationship with faith during its 2018-19 theatre season, recently announced by Director Stephen Svoboda.
“This season’s productions will explore what happens when we begin to question the faith we have in ourselves, our families, our religions and our institutions,” Stephen said. “Building on the success of last year’s incredible season, our productions will be even more ambitions and captivating in 2018-19. “
Stephen is bringing in seven guest artists who will work with ‘Berg actors and actresses in the areas of voice, choreography, stage combat, set design, lighting and directing. “Working with our guest artists is really fun for our students. They have the opportunity to build lots of connections. And for our audiences, they get to see lots of new styles.”
Kicking off the season will be Meredith Willson’s classic, “The Music Man.” This funny, warm, romantic musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957. “The Music Man’ follows fast-talking salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys band that he vows to organize – despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef.
Show dates for “The Music Man” are Sept. 20-23.
Closing out the fall semester will be the Shakespeare epic tale “Macbeth,” the mighty general of Scotland, thane of Glamis, war hero, who, along with his cunning wife, Lady Macbeth, plot and conspire for the throne. We learn of the complexities, dangers and temptations of human imagination, tested in inconceivable ways as the pair searches for glory, ambition and power. Svoboda and the cast and crew will apply a 1990s Green Day punk-inspired theme to the production with a rock band and bag pipes on stage.
Show dates for “Macbeth” are Nov. 8-11.
Based on the mystery novel by British author Mark Haddon, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” will open the spring 2019 semester. Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary mind. He is exceptionally intelligent but his Asperger syndrome makes him ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When Christopher falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever. This play won the 2015 Tony Award.
Show dates for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” are Feb. 7-10.
Closing out the season will be the blockbuster musical “Mamma Mia!” Over 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make “Mamma Mia!” the ultimate feel-good show. ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father when, on the eve of her wedding, three men from her mother’s past come forward to complicate her quest. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship that also features a large cast and unforgettable dance numbers.
Show dates for “Mamma Mia!” are April 11-14.
Become a subscriber
Heidelberg faculty and staff can become subscribers for $30 for the season, a savings of $30. Subscribers have the option of purchasing their tickets online now if they choose. Or, a month before tickets go on sale, subscribers will receive an email inviting them to select their show dates and seats. Subscribers also are invited to special events throughout the season.
Visit gundlachtheatre.org for additional information.
Also on the calendar
On matinee Sundays, take advantage of an opportunity to meet the director, cast and crew prior to the 2 p.m. performances.
On Sunday, Oct. 7, Stephen and the cast of “Macbeth” will be giving a special performance of “Shakespeare’s Soliloquies” on at the new amphitheatre on East Market Street. Stay tuned for more details.
The theatre again will host free performances in conjunction with two of the shows for high school and junior high audiences as part of its ongoing community outreach program.