Music Theatre and Opera program: Season
2025–26 Season
The ASU Music Theatre and Opera 2025-2026 season is listed below.
Tickets are available online three weeks in advance through the Herberger Institute Box Office. Ticket prices and venues vary.
L’Enfant et les sortilèges
Sept. 21, 4 p.m.
Tempe Center for the Arts
Tickets
Music by Maurice Ravel
Libretto by Colette
Presented in concert with the ASU Symphony Orchestra
L’Enfant et les Sortilèges follows a mischievous child whose temper tantrum sparks a magical chain of events where furniture can talk, animals can argue, and plants sing in protest. Colette’s witty libretto and Ravel’s playful score create an imaginative world that will delight and move audiences. The ASU Music Theatre and Opera program, in collaboration with Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra, will present an exciting concert staging at the Tempe Center for the Performing Arts.
Content warning: Suitable for all ages.
Songs for a New World
Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown
Oct. 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5, 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
“A new world calls across the ocean. A new world calls across the sky. A new world whispers in the shadows. Time to fly, time to fly…” Decorated American musical theater composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown’s groundbreaking song cycle Songs For A New World, begins with these four lines, calling for you to join us and experience how one decision has the power to transform the course of your life. Each character in this iconic work must take a leap of faith but will they make the right decision…? In this student-led production at Arizona State University, the borders of possibility are limitless, showcasing a cast of twelve players and introducing expansive staging and choreography for its unique contemporary score. We invite you to sit back and join each player on their journey into and through these remarkable moments of strength, love, community and change.
Content warning: This production contains occasional strong language, including infrequent use of explicit words in song lyrics. Parental guidance is recommended for youth under the age of 14.
Songs for a New World is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Curtains
Nov. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Rupert Holmes
Hijinks and high stakes take center stage in this musical-comedy murder mystery. When an opening night murder makes everyone a suspect, homicide detective and amateur showman Frank Cioffi has these show people toe tapping this and thataway around reasonable doubt to find the real culprit–all while saving their hides and the show. With music and lyrics by legendary team Kander & Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret), this loving homage to Golden Age musicals delivers quick-witted, hilariously memorable characters, and more twists and turns than a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers number. For the musical fan who loves clever comedy, impressive production numbers, and a little murder on the side, Curtains sure is a tough act to follow.
Content warning: Staged murders and violence in a farcical style, brief use of stage weapons and gunshot sound effects, mildly suggestive humor.
Curtains is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
Color Cabaret
Jan. 24 and 25, 7:30 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Join current ASU students for the annual Color Cabaret. This entirely student-led cabaret helps provide an opportunity for composers, lyricists/librettists and performers of color, formed through personal connections, friends and colleagues from all over ASU, to share their creativity.
Content warning: May contain language and subject matter not suitable for young audiences.
Flight
Feb. 27 and 28, 7:30 p.m.
March 1, 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Music by Jonathan Dove
Libretto by April De Angelis
Jonathan Dove’s contemporary masterpiece follows the story of The Refugee, inspired by the real-life story of an Iranian refugee who lived in Charles De Gaulle Airport for 18 years, whose story unfolds around a diverse group of travelers. After a storm grounds all flights for the night, he witnesses romances bloom, relationships unravel, and lives changed, while the mysterious Controller watches from her control tower. Dove’s lush and rhythmic score blends laugh-out-loud scenarios, touching human stories with deeply moving and playful musical themes. Flight invites audiences to reflect on how we interact with those around us and how we manage those interactions in moments of crisis.
Content warning: Contains mature content and scenes of sexual intimacy. Recommended for audiences ages 14 and up; parental guidance is recommended for audience members under the age of 18 years old.
Flight by Jonathan Dove and April De Angelis is presented under license from G. Schirmer Inc./Associated Music Publishers, copyright owners.
Spring Awakening
April 24 and 25, 7:30 p.m.
April 26, 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Music by Duncan Sheik
Book and lyrics by Steven Sater
Emotional, poignant, and surprising, Spring Awakening is the rock musical that electrified Broadway and won eight Tony Awards. Based on Frank Wedekind’s once-banned 1891 play, this coming of age story follows a group of teens in a repressive 19th-century German town as they wrestle with first love, sexual awakening, and the consequences of a world that refuses to give them answers. Duncan Sheik’s alternative rock score transforms their secret thoughts and hidden longings into anthems by turns intimate, rebellious, and heart-wrenching. With its fusion of period setting and modern music, Spring Awakening speaks directly to today’s audiences, capturing the thrilling, terrifying intensity of growing up. For anyone who’s ever felt unheard, or dared to find their own voice, this is a show you can’t miss.
Content warning: Contains mature and intense subject matter, including sexual content, simulated intercourse, parital nudity, masturbation, religious definance, verbal/physical/sexual parental abuse, physical abuse, assault, possible rape, teen pregnancy, abortion, death, suicide, weapons, and explicit language. Parental supervision is strongly recommended for audience members under the age of 18 years old.
Spring Awakening is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Music Theatre Solo Cabarets
April 28, 29 and 30, 7:30 p.m.
ASU Kerr
Cabarets created and presented by ASU Music Theatre Performance students.
Join us for an evening of entertaining songs and stories, cleverly woven together with a personal touch. Each member of the class develops, writes and performs their own 15-minute solo cabaret act with live piano accompaniment, designed to create an intimate musical experience built on the fundamental concepts of cabaret — being yourself on purpose and connecting with the audience. Featuring 22 young artists, these will be presented over three unique evenings. Refreshments and cash bar available during the event. Ticket proceeds help to fund the annual Music Theatre Showcase trip to New York City
Content warning: Contains strong language and other material that may not be suitable for young audiences.
Music Theatre Showcase
May 8, 7:30 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
The ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre is pleased to present the Music Theatre Class of 2026 in their final showcase performance. The program will run approximately 80 minutes and will feature a diverse range of music to highlight the talents of the class of 2026.
Past seasons
Mutt - A New Musical Comedy
Book and Lyrics by Marcus Terrell Smith
Music and Arrangements by Robin Schäfer
Orchestrations and Arrangements by Chris Sargent
Sept. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 15 at 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Content Warning: Dark humor and adult language. Recommended for audiences ages 14 and up.
Presented by arrangement with the authors.
Notes on Viardot
Words and Music by Michael Ching
Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Content Warning: Suitable for all audiences.
Presented by arrangement with the composer and librettist.
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
By Dave Malloy
Nov. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 and 24 at 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Content warning: Recommended for audiences ages 14 and up.
NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
L’Orfeo
Music by Claudio Monteverdi
Libretto by Alessandro Striggio
Feb. 28, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.
March 2 at 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Suitable for all audiences.
First Date
Music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner
Book by Austin Winsberg
April 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.
April 6 at 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Content Warning: Teen/adult language and situations. Recommended for audiences august 14 and up.
FIRST DATE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
As You Like It
Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery
Music and lyrics by Shaina Taub
April 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.
April 27 at 2 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Content Warning: Suitable for All Audiences
AS YOU LIKE IT is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
Music Theatre Solo Cabarets
Apr. 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m.
ASU Kerr Cultural Center
Content warning: Contains strong language and other material that may not be suitable for young audiences.
Opera Scenes
May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Music Theatre Showcase
May 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Content warning: May contain language and subject matter not suitable for young audiences.
The Pirates of Penzance
Music by Sir Arthur Sullivan
Libretto by W. S. Gilbert
Sept. 28, 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m
Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.
The Mad Ones
By Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk
Oct. 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.
Miss You Like Hell
Book and lyrics by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Music and lyrics by Erin McKeown
Nov. 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.
The Theory of Relativity
Music and lyrics by Neil Bartram
Book by Brian Hill
Jan. 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 2 p.m.
Music Theatre Showcase in NYC
March 7, 5 p.m.
AMT Theatre (New York, NY)
The Marriage of Figaro
Music by W. A. Mozart
Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
March. 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m.
March 17 at 2 p.m.
Pippin
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
April 18, 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m.
April 21 at 2 p.m.
Music Theatre Cabarets
April 29 and 30
Kerr Cultural Center
Music Theatre Showcase in Phoenix
TBD
The Mad Ones is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
MISS YOU LIKE HELL is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
Theory of Relativity is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Pippin is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
"Daughter of the Regiment"
Music by Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Jean-François
English dialogue by Ruth and Thomas Martin
"Songs from Liquid Days"
(student lab production)
Music by Philip Glass
Libretto by Paul Simon, Suzanne Vega, David Byrne, and Laurie Anderson
"Head Over Heels"
Songs by The Go-Go's
Based on 'The Arcadia' by Sir Philip Sidney
Conceived by, Original Book by Jeff Whitty
Adaptation by James Magruder
Holiday Cabaret
"Little Women, the Broadway Musical"
(student lab production)
Book by Allen Knee
Music by Jason Howland
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Color Cabaret
"The Rake's Progress"
Music by Igor Stravinsky
Libretto by W. H. Auden and Chester Kallman
"Into the Woods"
Book by James Lapine
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Music Theatre Cabarets
Music Theatre Showcase
The Rake’s Progress is presented by arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc., publisher and copyright owner.
Into the Woods is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
Music and lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
The Last Five Years (student production)
Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown
"Healing Wars" (a collaboration with music, dance and theatre)
Conceived by Liz Lerman
Directed and choreographed by Keith Thompson
"Hansel and Gretel"
Music by Engelbert Humperdinck
Libretto by Adelheid Wette
The Color Cabaret (student production)
Opera Double Bill
"We’ve Got Our Eye On You"
A chamber opera
Music and story by Nkeiru Okoye
Libretto by David Cote
Note: The development of We’ve Got Our Eye On You was made possible in part by an OPERA America Discovery Grant for Female Composer program through the generosity of The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
"600 Square Feet"
A micro-opera
Music by Nkeiru Okoye
Libretto by David Cote
Note: 600 Square Feet was commissioned by Baldwin Wallace University Voice Performance in Collaboration with Cleveland Opera Theater and Onsite Opera.
"The Valley" (new work reading)
Book and lyrics by Jamie Maletz
Music by Eric Fegan
ASU Class of 2022 Cabarets
"Godspell" (student production)
Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak
Music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Originally produced on the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury / Stewart Duncan / Joseph Beruh
"Bright Star"
Music, book and story by Steve Martin
Music, lyrics and story by Edie Brickell
Musical Theatre Showcase
SunDevils in NYC
Feinstein's/54 Below
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
The Last Five Years is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Godspell 2012 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
600 Square Feet and We've Got Our Eye on You are presented by arrangement with Nkeiru Okoye.
Bright Star is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036.
Due to COVID-19 all productions were performed virtually or with social distancing or outdoors.
Zoom-A-Palooza
ASU Music Theatre and Opera YouTube Channel
Speed Dating Tonight
Music and lyrics by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony
Alumni Cabaret
Seth Tucker and Sime Acosta
ASU Music Theatre and Opera Vimeo
Lizzie The Musical
By Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt
Opera Under the Stars
Runaways
Music, book and lyrics by Elizabeth Swados
Color Cabaret
The Infinite Energy of Ada Lovelace
Music by Kamala Sankaram
Libretto by Rob Handel
Service Provider
Music by Christopher Weiss
Libretto by John De Los Santos
Riders to the Sea
Music by Ralph Vaughn Williams
Based on the lay by J.M. Synge
The Impresario
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
English dialogue and lyrics by Dori Previn
Adapted by Dale Dreyfoos
Nayika
Music by Raiah Rofsky
Lyrics by Vaibhavi Mohan
[title of show]
Music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen
Book by Hunter Bell
It’s Only Life
Music and words by John Bucchino
Directed by Robert Kolby Harper
Choreography by Nicholas Flores
Music Direction by Kevin White
Music Theatre Showcase
Opera Scenes Program
New Work Reading
"An Evening with Carmel Dean"
"The Light in the Piazza"
Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel
Book by Craig Lucas
"Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi"
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano
Holiday Cabaret
"35mm: A Musical Exhibition"
Music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver
Based on the photographs of Matthew Murphy
New Work Reading
"Hometown to the World"
Composer Laura Kaminsky
Librettist Kimberly Reed
"Street Scene"
Music by Kurt Weill
Lyrics by Langston Hughes and Elmer Rice
Book by Elmer Rice, based on his play by the same name
"9 to 5 The Musical" - canceled due to COVID-19
Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the Twentieth Century Fox film
Music Theatre Showcase - canceled due to COVID-19
Opera Gala - canceled due to COVID-19
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals.
“35mm: A Musical Exhibition” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.
STREET SCENE is used by arrangement with European American Music Corporation, agent for The Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, Inc., the Rice Estate and the Hughes Estate.
9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
New Work Reading
"An Evening with Carmel Dean"
"The Light in the Piazza"
Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel
Book by Craig Lucas
"Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi"
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano
Holiday Cabaret
"35mm: A Musical Exhibition"
Music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver
Based on the photographs of Matthew Murphy
New Work Reading
"Hometown to the World"
Composer Laura Kaminsky
Librettist Kimberly Reed
"Street Scene"
Music by Kurt Weill
Lyrics by Langston Hughes and Elmer Rice
Book by Elmer Rice, based on his play by the same name
"9 to 5 The Musical" - canceled due to COVID-19
Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the Twentieth Century Fox film
Music Theatre Showcase - canceled due to COVID-19
Opera Gala - canceled due to COVID-19
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals.
“35mm: A Musical Exhibition” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.
STREET SCENE is used by arrangement with European American Music Corporation, agent for The Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, Inc., the Rice Estate and the Hughes Estate.
9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
“Marie Begins” (Ellen Fishman/Julia Curcio)
New Work Reading
“Kiss Me, Kate” (Cole Porter/Samuel and Bella Spewack)
“Trouble In Tahiti” (Leonard Bernstein)
Student Lab
“Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers” (Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Schwartz)
Musical Theatre Holiday Cabaret
“The Anxiety Project” (Rachel Dean/David Brush)
New Work Reading
“Xerxes” (George Frideric Handel/Silvio Stampiglia)
“The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)” (Eric Rockwell/Joanne Bogart)
Student Lab
“Triassic Parq” (Marshall Pailet/Bryce Norbitz/Steve Wargo)
Musical Theatre Showcase and Alumni Night
Opera Scenes
The Bartered Bride (Bedřich Smetana/ Marion Farquhar)
The Halloween Tree (Theo Popov/Tony Asaro)
New Works Reading
A New Brain (William Finn)
Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe (Jonathan Christenson)
Student Lab Production
The Breasts of Tiresias (Guillaume Apollinaire/Francis Poulenc)
The Fairy Queen (Henry Purcell/William Shakespeare)
Student Lab Production
Til Death (Amanda Prahl/Alexander Tom)
New Works Reading
Legally Blonde The Musical (Laurence O'Keefe/Nell Benjamin/Heather Hach/Amanda Brown)
Musical Theatre Showcase
Opera Scenes Performance
H.M.S. Pinafore (Gilbert and Sullivan)
Babe: An Olympian Musical (Andrea Jill Higgins/Carolyn Gage)
New Works Reading
Guys and Dolls (Loesser)
The Last Five Years (Jason Robert Brown)
Student Lab
Cendrillon (Viardot)
Student Lab
Grey Gardens (Wright/Frankel/Korie)
Student Lab
The Magic Flute (Mozart)
Prism (Ellen Reid/Roxie Perkins)
New Works Reading
Collaboration with Beth Morrison Projects
Acis and Galatea (Handel)
Student Lab
Shrek The Musical (Tesori)
Company (Furth/Sondheim)
Guadalupe - an opera in two acts (DeMars/Doyle/Whitehead)
Grease (Jacobs/Casey)
Workshop Production
L'elisir d'amore/The Elixir of Love (Donizetti/Romani)
The Drowsy Chaperone (Martin/McKellar/Lambert/Morrison)
Opera Double Bill: Dido and Aeneas (Purcell) and La Serva Padrona (Pergolesi)
Children of Eden (Schwartz & Caird)
Reefer Madness (Murphy & Studney)
Workshop Production
Owen Wingrave (Britten)
Anything Goes (Porter)
Co–Production with Phoenix Theatre
La Périchole (Offenbach)
Smile: The Musical (Hamlisch & Ashman)
A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine (Lazarus & Vosburgh)
Workshop Production
Cosi fan tutte (Mozart)
Sung in Italian
Rent (Larson)
Co–Production with Phoenix Theatre
Albert Herring (Britten)
Bat Boy: The Musical (O’Keefe, Farley, & Flemming)
The Fantasticks (Schmidt & Jones)
Workshop Production
Die Fledermaus (Strauss)
Sung in German
Little Women (Howland, Dickstein, & Knee)
You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Gesner) (Revised Version)
Le Nozze Di Figaro (Mozart)
Sung in Italian
Cabaret (Kander and Ebb, revised 1987)
Workshop Production
Ainadamar (Golijov)
Sung in Spanish
The Music Man (Willson)
Since 1964, the Lyric Opera Theatre program in the ASU Herberger Institute School of Music has produced a variety of productions including musicals, operas, operettas and revues.