The SUNY New Paltz Theatre Department spiced up their mainstage productions this year with a unique array of show choices.
From angsty, award-winning musicals to action-packed fantasy dramas, this season the Theatre department will see “Henry V,” “In the Time of the Butterflies,” “She Kills Monsters” and “Spring Awakening.” These vastly different plays and musicals will bring interesting roles and themes to the theatre community.
“Each year, a committee of faculty pick the production season with the priority being the educational value and training opportunities for our students,” said Theatre Department Chair and Design Professor Ken Goldstein.”
The first show of the semester is “In The Time of the Butterflies,” which tells a dramatized version of the Mirabal sisters, who inspired a political uprising against the dictatorial rule of Gen. Trujillo in the Dominican Republic in the 1950s. “In the Time of the Butterflies” was adapted by Caridad Svich from the 1994 best-selling novel of the same name by Julia Álvarez.
This performance will be directed by Estefania Fadul and runs from Thursday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 6 and Thursday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 20. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 23.
The next show in the line-up is the classic “Henry V,” a Shakespeare history tale that revolves around the maturity and rule of King Henry V of England. Directed by John Patrick Hayden with a modern spin, “Henry V” explores themes of leadership, while we follow the titular character as he makes bold tactical choices, ignotes his small army and win.
“Henry V” will run from Thursday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 17 and Wednesday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 24. There will also be a special 10 a.m. matinee performance for high school students on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
The third production this semester will be “She Kills Monsters,” in which the leading character, Agnes, enters the world of Dungeons & Dragons after discovering that her recently deceased sister had been playing the role-playing game. Agnes enters the game to help complete her sister’s final quest.
“She Kills Monsters” was written by Qui Nguyen and will be directed by Michael Barakiva. It runs Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 1 and Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8.
Last but not least, the final mainstage show will be “Spring Awakening,” an angsty rock musical adaptation of the seminal play about the pangs of adolescence.
Duncan Sheik composed the Grammy-nominated music for the show, and Steven Sater wrote the book and lyrics. Under the direction of Catherine Doherty, the show will run Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26 and Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3.
“The Department of Theatre Arts is committed to telling stories that resonate within our Community. Often, we choose to challenge ourselves and our audiences with stories that reflect our time and our challenges,” Goldstein said. “Sometimes, we tell stories to entertain. This year, the Mainstage and Praxis Seasons are curated to do both.”
