Following the successful start to the 2009/10 season, Montclair State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance continues to present exciting works of dance, comedy & drama, including many notable premieres and performances.

A Man of No Importance/ Oct. 13-18
Join in an amateur group of actors determined to stage Oscar Wilde’s controversial play Salome at their local church in this charming musical. In the process of fighting for the play, the director Alfie Byrne. Is forced to confront his own sexuality.

Arcadia / Nov. 18-21
Astonishing in its breadth, Arcadia travels seamlessly between 1809 and the present embracing elements of haunting romantic tragedy, suspenseful mystery, and hilarious sex farce. Tom Stoppard’s dazzling comic masterpiece is among the most intelligent and poignantly human plays of our time.

Works-A-Foot / Dec. 2-6
This performance of MSU dance majors will feature works by celebrated choreographer Doug Elkins as well as work by the renowned Robert Battle. Also featured will be Pearl Primus’ Bushache Etude, created in 1949.

Polaroid Stories / Dec. 3-11
The characters and themes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses become the powerful stories of street kids living on the edge in a world where drug dealers, homeless children, and prostitutes meet the realm of shape-shifting gods.

As You Like It / Dec. 4-11
“All the world’s a stage” in Shakespeare’s rollicking comedy as Rosalind flees persecution in her uncle’s court only to find love in the Forest of Arden. Don’t miss this sweet and poignant romantic comedy.

Moliere / Feb. 18-21
The greatest comic genius of all time, Moliere, and his friend and rival playwright Racine, struggle to please both their audiences and their king. The glittering world of 17^th century Paris collides with the world of backstage intrigue, political maneuvering and hysterical comedy.

Dance Collage / Mar. 3-7
An informal dance event where MSU dance majors are given an opportunity to stretch their creative muscles as they create new and exciting works including modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, and ballet.

Side Show / Mar. 9-13
Enjoy the Tony Award-nominated musical, based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became vaudeville stars during the Depression. Side Show is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. Follow their progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie Freaks.

Dance Works / Apr. 7-11
Come celebrate African-American choreographers and choreography in this dance performance featuring MSU dancers. Highlighting this event will be Games by renowned choreographer Donald McKayle, and Helen Tamiris’ poignant Negro Spirituals.

1001 / Apr. 21-25
Inspired by the Tales of the Arabian Nights,  Jason Grote’s provocative 1001  blends adventure, exotic locale and the pursuit of love and passion. Don’t miss this fascinating play by Montclair State graduate Jason Grote!

New Works Initiative – Workshop of a New Play / Apr. 29-30 May 1-2

The results of a national competition, each year acclaimed artists develop new performance works at MSU in collaboration with Theatre and Dance students. Join us this spring when award-winning playwright, Jason Grote, kicks off MSU’s first New Works Initiative with a workshop presentation of a new play for the American theatre.

All Montclair State University Department of Theatre and Dance events are presented as part of Peak Performances@ Montclair.

All tickets are $15, and are available at the Alexander Kasser Theater Box Office or by calling 973-655-5112 or online at www.peakperfs.org

Montclair State University is located at 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey 07043.

Media Contact:
Alfred R. Fredel
Fredela@mail.montclair.edu
973-655-3004