Theatre Institute at Sage
2023-2024 season
She Kills Monsters
Written by Qui Nguyen
Directed by David Baecker
September 29 – October 7, 2023
James L. Meader Little Theater
She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
Recommended for ages 13+ and up.
“She Kills Monsters” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. http://www.concordtheatricals.com
Dates/Times:
Friday, September 29, 2023 at 7:30pm
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 7:30pm
Friday, October 6, 2023 at 10:00am & 7:30pm
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 7:30pm
Benjamin Franklinstein the Musical!
Adapted from the books by Matt McElligott and Larry Tuxbury
Music and lyrics by Michael Musial, Book by Matthew McElligott and Larry Tuxbury
November 29 – December 10, 2023
Schacht Fine Arts Center Theater
Benjamin Franklinstein the Musical!, from the team that created Backbeard the Musical!, returns to the Schacher stage! Tori Godwin’s orderly life is suddenly turned topsy-turvy when she discovers that Benjamin Franklin has been hibernating in suspended animation in her basement for centuries. When a freak accident reawakens Ben, Tori and her friend Scott must help him adjust to life in the 21st century. Complicating the situation is the fact that when Franklin’s energy drops, he transforms into a rampaging monster, desperately (and dangerously!) hungry for electricity. Can two kids and a reanimated electric zombie patriot save the planet? Find out in Benjamin Franklinstein the Musical!
Recommended for all ages.
Dates/Times:
- Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 10 am
- Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 10 am
- Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10 am
- Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 7:30 pm
- Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 2 pm
- Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 10 am
- Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10 am
- December 8 at 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm
- Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 2 pm
Number the Stars (Musical, Hartley)
Book, music and lyrics by Sean Hartley. Based on the book by Lois Lowry.
Directed by Michael Musial
February 7 – February 18, 2024
Schacht Fine Arts Center Theater
A tender and intense adaptation of Lois Lowry’s novel about one of the most inspiring episodes in human history: the rescue of the Danish Jews during World War II. Annemarie Johansen is surprised when her best friend Ellen Rosen arrives in her apartment to spend the night. When two Nazi soldiers appear at the door looking for the Rosen family, Annemarie’s parents pretend that Ellen is their own daughter. Annemarie comes to realize that all of the Jewish Danes are in terrible danger, and that it is up to their Christian neighbors to help them escape to neutral Sweden. Annemarie is to take the Rosens to Sweden in her boat.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
Dates/Times:
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 10 am
Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 10 am
Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10 am & 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 10 am
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 10 am
Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 10 am
Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 2 pm
(School Group Snow Day is Friday, Feb 16 at 10am)
Robin Hood: A Workshop Reading
Adapted from the books by Matt McElligott and Larry Tuxbury
Music and lyrics by Michael Musial, Book by Matthew McElligott and Larry Tuxbury
Dates/Times:
Friday, April 5 , 2024 at 7:30 pm
Think you know the story of Robin Hood? Think again! Prepare for a thrilling new take on the classic tale. Set in a divided kingdom, where only the cunning can survive. Promising humor, heart, and a forest full of secrets. From the creators of Backbeard the Musical! and Benjamin Franklinstein! The Musical!, this musical workshopped reading will have arrows flying in a bold new direction!
Dragons Love Tacos
Written by Ernie Nolan
Based on the book by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Published by Penguin Group
Directed by Michael Musial
May 15 – 23, 2024
Schacht Fine Arts Center Theater
You know what Dragons really love? Tacos of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa…watch out!
Recommended for all ages.
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences
Dates/Times:
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10:00 am
Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:00 am
Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10:00 am
Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:00 am
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10:00 am
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:00 am