Theatre Productions

Power, betrayal, love, and redemption take center stage as Principia College presents William Shakespeare’s King Lear, one of the most powerful tragedies ever written. When an aging king divides his kingdom among his daughters, his decision unleashes a chain of events that plunges the kingdom into chaos. Yet amid the heartbreak and conflict, the enduring power of love and forgiveness offers hope.

The production features students who recently studied theatre in Scotland and England, including workshops and a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Joining the student cast is Principia Professor John O’Hagan, who recently earned critical acclaim for his performance in the U.K. and Ireland national tour and London West End production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Performances are November 12, 13, and 14 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on Saturday, November 14, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on Principia Marketplace and at the door. Students $7 / General $12.

The spring play at the College is THE REVOLUTIONISTS by Lauren Gunderson. This four-character, all-women show is a profound mix of comedy and drama that asks the question, “What is the cost of silence?” It is also a beautiful and funny glimpse into sisterhood and the joy of hope.

This show is not recommended for children under the age of 13 due to mature content. Shows are Friday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on Marketplace and at the door. Students $5/ General $12.

Murder on the Orient Express
By Agatha Christie
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig

A classic murder mystery aboard the luxury train, the Orient Express with the world-famous detective Hercule Poirot who must find the murderer before he or she strikes again.

Performances March 6, 7, 8 in Davis Black Box Theatre.

Twelfth Night
A musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub

Named one of the best theatrical productions of 2018 by Time, The Hollywood Reporter and The Washington Post, Twelfth Night is a rousing contemporary musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy about mistaken identity and self-discovery, featuring an original jazz-funk score by Shaina Taub.

Performances were November 14, 15, and 16 in the McVay Center for the Performing Arts.

It Can’t Happen Here
by Sinclair Lewis and John C. Moffitt

A cautionary tale about the rise of American fascism, based on the 1935 novel by Sinclair Lewis.

Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, directed by Chrissy Calkins Steele
March 2 – 4, Davis Black Box Theatre
A trivial comedy for serious people.

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, directed by Chrissy Calkins Steele
November 18 – 19, Davis Black Box Theatre
Performed by the UK Abroad students.

You Make My Frame Shake by Luigi Jannuzzi, directed by Trish Brown
March 3 – 5, Davis Black Box Theatre
An off-the-wall comedy about art.

The Taming of the Shrew
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Chrissy Calkins Steele
Presented by the Fall 2020 Arts Block

A dark comedy about the silencing of women and the masks we hide behind.