An Inspector Calls

As "Gerald"

A gripping thriller, boldly reimagined.

When a mysterious Inspector unexpectedly arrives at the prosperous Birling family home, their celebratory dinner is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman.

The Inspector’s suspense-filled investigation threatens the very foundation of the family’s lives, leaving them to re-examine their responsibility to the outside world and each other.

Written in 1944, J. B. Priestley’s powerful thriller reinvents the popular “drawing room” murder mystery, turning the genre on its head.

The Shape of Things

As "Adam"

A fast-moving and thrilling piece of theatre set on a college campus in small-town America. It's a play about relationships, art and friendship where nothing is quite what it seems.

Adam, a geeky young student, drifts into an ever-changing romance with art major, Evelyn who encourages him to improve his appearance. As she instils in him a new found confidence, his best friend’s' engagement begins to crumble: so unleashing a drama that peels back the 'skin’ of two modern-day relationships.

Neil LaBute’s award winning play received its world premiere at the Almeida Theatre in 2001, starring Rachel Weisz and Paul Rudd and is revived by the producers of last year’s hit Clybourne Park.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

As "Percy Jackson"

Laguna Playhouse presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, an action-packed mythical adventure "worthy of the gods" (Time Out New York). As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he goes on a quest to return the bolt, prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods.

Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is a killer quest that will have you ready to "Bring on the Monsters".

Richard's Roast

As "Tom"

A short film about a writer who comes up with a caffeine-induced idea to secure a date with the girl of his dreams.

Richard’s Roast follows Richard, an upset coffee shop patron, Tom, an enthusiastic young writer, and Alexis, a full-of-life barista. It takes place over the course of an hour at the coffee shop.

Sweeney Todd

As "Tobias Ragg"

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Sweeney Todd has become a bloody, worldwide success since being awarded eight Tony's, (including Best Musical), for its Broadway premiere. Stephen Sondheim's and Hugh Wheeler's (A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures) tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences across the world.

An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up... and the carnage has only just begun!

Extremely popular with opera companies and in concert presentation, Sweeney Todd is equally effective as an intimate chamber musical. Featuring two unforgettable star turns and some of the most chilling music ever written for the stage, this masterpiece is sure both to thrill and delight audiences.

Footloose

As "Willard"

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

Into The Woods

As "Jack"

James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

One of Sondheim's most popular works, Into the Woods is a musically sophisticated show with the opportunity to feature actors adept at dark comedy. Designers will especially enjoy highlighting the fantastical elements of this magical word.

Much Ado About Nothing

As "Benedick"

Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, pits two of his wittiest characters against each other in a battle of love and language.

Join us as we revel in Messina with Don Pedro and his soldiers, fall in love with Claudio and Hero, and match wits with Benedick and Beatrice. Make sure you're on your best behavior, though, or else Dogberry might cite you for disorderly conduit! This spring, IVC Performing Arts is proud to present William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.

Oliver!

As "Artful Dodger"

Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart's classic musical based on the Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike.

The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.

Oliver! is musical theatre masterpiece, perfectly showcasing the talents of a large ensemble cast as they bring these classic characters and score to life.

Fame The Musical

As "Schlomo Metzenbaum"

An unmistakable title from the unforgettable film and television franchise, Fame The Musical inspired generations to fight for fame and light up the sky like a flame! Conceived and developed by David De Silva – now known affectionately to the planet as "Father Fame" – this high-octane musical features the Academy Award-winning title song and a host of other catchy pop numbers.

The show follows the final class of New York City's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts from their admission in 1980 to their graduation in 1984. All of the struggles, fears and triumphs – from prejudice to substance abuse – are depicted with razor-sharp focus as the young artists navigate the worlds of music, drama and dance.

Fame is an international sensation that continues to reach new generations of performers and audience members. The show provides great opportunities to feature a diverse talent pool and showcase artistic mediums like dancing, singing, acting, rapping and musicianship.

Beauty and the Beast

As "Beast"

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway title ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

This "tale as old as time" is filled with spectacular costume and set opportunities or, even more simply staged, Disney's Beauty and the Beast offers a great opportunity to bring your entire community together for family theatre at its best.

Our Town

As "Mr. Charles Webb"

Our Town is a 1938 metatheatrical three-actplay by American playwright Thornton Wilder. It tells the story of the fictional American small town of Grover's Corners between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens.

Throughout, Wilder uses metatheatrical devices, setting the play in the actual theatre where it is being performed. The main character is the stage manager of the theatre who directly addresses the audience, brings in guest lecturers, fields questions from the audience, and fills in playing some of the roles. The play is performed without a set on a mostly bare stage. With a few exceptions, the actors mime actions without the use of props.

The first performance of Our Town was at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey on January 22, 1938. It went on to success on Broadway and received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Described by Edward Albee it is "the greatest American play ever written". Our Town is popular today with frequent revivals.