THE GRAPES OF WRATH, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE & More Set for NKU's 2016-17 Theatre & Dance Season

Northern Kentucky University | School of the Arts | Program of Theatre and Dance is excited to announce our 2016-17 academic season. Performances begin in September 2016. An exact schedule of performances will be released closer to the start of the 2016-17 academic year.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH
By Frank Galati
From the novel by John Steinbeck
September 29 - October 9, 2016
NKU Corbett Theatre

A powerful and deeply affecting stage version of one of the masterpieces of American literature, there's a reason why THE GRAPES OF WRATH is a classic. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story's themes-endurance, sacrifice, and family-are no less powerful today than they were 77 years ago, when John Steinbeck penned the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This Tony Award-winning stage adaptation follows the Joad family on their flight from the dust bowl of Oklahoma, culminating in a soaring and deeply moving affirmation of the indomitability of the human spirit.

MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
By August Wilson
October 25 - October 30, 2016
NKU Stauss Theatre

Chicago, 1927. In a recording studio on the city's South Side, a battle of wills is raging. Ma Rainey, Mother of the Blues, uses every trick in the book to fight her record producers for control of her music. Hardened by years of ill-treatment and bad deals, she's determined that 'Black Bottom', the song that bears her name, will be recorded her way. But Levee, the band's swaggering young trumpet player, plans to catapult the band into the jazz age. His ambition puts them all in danger.

Inspired by the real-life Blues legend and infused with her music, August Wilson's play speaks powerfully of a struggle for self-determination against overwhelming odds.

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
By Jeanine Tesori, Dick Scanlan, and Richard Henry Morris
December 1 - December 11, 2016
NKU Corbett Theatre

A high-spirited romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE tells the story of a small-town girl who travels to New York City to marry for money instead of love. Audiences will relive the roaring 1920s in this Tony Award-winning musical featuring jazz, thunderous tap dancing, frisky flappers and dashing leading men.

ALL SHOOK UP
Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley
Book by Joe DiPietro
February 16 - February 26, 2017
NKU Corbett Theatre

It's 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that'll have you jumpin' out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Jailhouse Rock," and "Don't Be Cruel." The story is all new, the hits are all Elvis.

SEASON EXTRAS

FIRST YEAR SHOW
November 18 - November 20, 2016
NKU Stauss Theatre

This production shows off our talented freshman and transfer students.

DANCE '17
March 31 - April 1, 2017
NKU Corbett Theatre

Not to be missed, DANCE '17 features a company of our best young dance artists. Full of new and innovative works created by faculty, guest artists, and nationally renowned choreographers in creative expressions including theatre dance, contemporary and classical ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and world dance, DANCE '17 features something for everyone!

THE Y.E.S. FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS
April 20 - April 30, 2017
NKU Corbett and Stauss Theatres

Be the first to see the two World Premiere plays in our 18th Biennial Year End Series Festival of New Plays. Titles will be announced in January 2017.