Past Theatre Seasons: 2016-2018

Twelfth Night
by William Shakespeare

September 28 – October 2, 2016
Greer Garson Theatre – Owen Arts Center

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, the play is a whirligig of disguise, mistaken identity, posing, posturing, cunning, confusion, music, madness, mayhem, sensuality, swordplay, revelry and romance. For more information call 214.768.2787.

Light Shining in Buckinghamshire
by Caryl Churchill

October 19 – 23, 2016
Margo Jones Theatre – Owen Arts Center

Arguably the most brilliant playwright writing in English, with every play Caryl Churchill invents a new and dazzling form for a new and compelling question. The play centers on the political upheaval of England’s Civil War and its effect on ordinary citizens, dramatizing the conflicts of a time when hierarchies and conventions had been shaken and the revolutionary belief in the second coming of Christ reached a pitch. Written in 1976, set in 1646, the play is a stunning illumination of world conditions in 2016. For more information call 214.768.2787.

Hot L Baltimore
by Lanford Wilson

November 30 – December 4, 2016
Greer Garson Theatre – Owen Arts Center

Hot L Baltimore focuses on a day in the life of residents of a once-swanky, now seedy hotel destined for demolition, who have all received eviction notices and face uncertain futures. This award-winning play by Pulitzer Prize winner Lanford Wilson gets its title from the condemned property’s neon marquee with a burned-out letter “e” that was never replaced. Wilson is considered one of the most distinguished playwrights of the late 20th century; The New York Times called his body of work “earthy, realist, greatly admired, widely performed.” For more information call 214.768.2787. 

Mary Stuart
by Friedrich Schiller

March 1 – 5, 2017
Greer Garson Theatre – Owen Arts Center

Premiered in 1800, the play depicts the last days of Mary, Queen of Scots, imprisoned on suspicion of plotting to overthrow her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. The Washington Post wrote, “In its depiction of charismatic but isolated leaders grappling with the demands of ego and diplomacy, it easily satisfies our craving for political stars.” For more information call 214.768.2787.

New Visions, New Voices
Produced by Gretchen Smith

March 29 – April 2, 2017
Greer Garson Theatre – Owen Arts Center

This spring playwriting festival, now in its 23rd season, presents one staged reading each of a variety of full-length plays written by graduating theatre students. For more information call 214.768.2787.

The Rep: Three Contemporary American Plays Performed in Rotation

April 27 – May 7, 2017
Margo Jones Theatre – Owen Arts Center

The Division of Theatre presents three contemporary American plays in rotation over a two-week period. (Play titles and times will be announced later this year at mcs.smu.edu/calendar. For more information call 214.768.2787.

  • Spring Awakening
    Music by Duncan Sheik, Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
    Directed by Blake Hackler

    Based on the play by Frank Wedekind, this Tony, Drama Desk and Grammy award-winning rock musical tells the story of a group of teenagers moving from childhood to adulthood, exploring sexuality and love, friendship and betrayal. The New York Times called it “brave, haunting” and “electrifying.” For more information call 214.768.2787.

  • A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard
    Directed by Kara-Lynn Vaeni

    This award-winning play by the late Sam Shepard follows the jagged, complex relationship between two families. Considered a landmark work by a playwright at the height of his powers, it moves between Montana and California, husbands and wives, parents and children, and brothers and sisters. Both raw and moving, funny and frightening, A Lie of the Mind explores the hungry heart of the American landscape. For more information call 214.768.2787.

  • The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov
    Directed by Rhonda Blair

    Chekhov’s final play is a modern masterpiece. Madame Ranevskaya returns to her family estate in the Russian countryside just as the estate may be sold for debts. Selling their famous cherry orchard would rescue the estate – will it be done? Chekhov’s comedy uses frustrated love, identity, class, just-missed opportunities, and a group of delightful, contradictory characters to examine the nature of social change and the human struggle for happiness. For more information call 214.768.2787.

As You Like It
by William Shakespeare

February 27 – March 3, 2019
Greer Garson Theatre – Owen Arts Center 

This popular comedy by Shakespeare follows the fortunes of Rosalind and her cousin Celia. When Rosalind is banished by her uncle, the Duke, she masquerades as the boy Ganymede. Celia, also in masquerade, follows “Ganymede” to the forest in the company of Touchstone, a jester. A hilarious play about mistaken identity, redemption, repentance, shepherdesses and courtiers, As You Like Itfollows multiple couples through mistaken love knots and confused gender play to a happy-ever-after ending ... right? “All the world’s a stage,” as Shakespeare reminds us. For more information call 214.768.2787.