Exploring the depth of wartime suffering and human trafficking, “The Trojan Women” by Euripedes and adapted by Ellen McLaughlin, will open the 2017-2018 performance season for the College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance. The season’s theme, Sustain This!, supports the College’s sustainability literacy initiative, which aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to solve future challenges of social justice, economic disparity and looming environmental concerns. The department is committed to exploring these critical challenges this season and every season.
In “The Trojan Women,” the ten-year siege of Troy during the late Bronze Age has ended. The men of Troy are gone, most slain in battle or during the bloody night of the Trojan Horse. Only the women remain, waiting to be taken away by their conquerors while grappling with grief, fear and the loss of family, friends, husbands and lovers. Though the war is over, exile and degradation lie ahead for these women.
Coming direct from New York, where a most gentlemanly NPR critic said he’d “NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD AT A BROADWAY MUSICAL,” GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by – you guessed it – eliminating the eight pesky relatives (all played by one fearless man) who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she’s after more than just love), his fiancée (she’s his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.
Get ready for the ultimate playdate – 65 million years in the making – as Erth’sDINOSAUR ZOO LIVE guides your family on a breathtaking tour that begins in pre-historic Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world. Brought to life by a team of skilled performers and puppeteers, and designed with the help of professional paleontologists, Erth’sDINOSAUR ZOO LIVE’s puppets are so extraordinarily realistic you may feel the urge to run and hide – but don’t! Because you won’t want to miss a minute of this fun, unique, entertaining and educational live show created by Erth Visual & Physical of Sydney, Australia. While it may indeed have been 65 million years in the making, we think you’ll agree, it’s well worth the wait.
For more information on reserved school group performances, please visit our School Programs page. Afternoon performance is open to the public.
The Tony® Award winning smash hit Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the recording session that brought together rock n’roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.
Featuring rock hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more MILLION DOLLAR QUARTETbrings that moment in time to life.
Enchantment Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its newest touring production, My Father’s Dragon, based on the beloved book series by Ruth Stiles Gannett. In collaboration with the author and in celebration of the book’s 70th Anniversary we are delighted to bring these enchanting books to life.
When nine-year old Elmer Elevator hears about a baby dragon who is held captive by the ferocious animals of Wild Island, he sets off on an adventure to rescue the dragon and return him home. With the help of his friend the Alley Cat, Elmer packs everything he thinks he’ll need – including chewing gum, two-dozen lollipops, seven hair ribbons and a box of rubber bands! With pluck and ingenuity Elmer makes his way to the Island, outwits the wild animals and saves Boris, the dragon. But can they find their way back home? As they travel over the ocean they get lost in a storm and discover a magical island of escaped canaries. The resourceful Elmer helps the canaries overcome their “curiosity disease” and uncover a stash of hidden riches. With bags of gold and the canaries’ blessings, the dauntless duo at last returns home.
With talking animals, a daring rescue, a flying dragon, buried treasure and lots of humor throughout, this fabulous adventure is brought to the stage in Enchantment Theatre’s distinctive style. Using puppets, masks, inventive scenic effects and original music, Enchantment Theatre Company is delighted to bring you the story of a compassionate and courageous young boy and his unlikely friendship with a splendid yellow and blue-striped dragon.
For more information on reserved school group performances, please visit our School Programs page. Afternoon performance is open to the public.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia will add to its acclaimed repertory of outstanding children’s productions with an innovative double-bill adaptation of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd’s beloved bedtime classics, GOODNIGHT MOON and THE RUNAWAY BUNNY.
GOODNIGHT MOON is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while THE RUNAWAY BUNNY’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with are assuring sense of security and peace. Whimsical puppetry and evocative original music will bring a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.
For more information on reserved school group performances, please visit our School Programs page. Saturday performance is open to the public.
Shh! We have a Plan is the enchanting new theatre production by the multi award winning Theatre Company Cahoots Northern Ireland.
A nonverbal tale featuring magic, music, and puppetry based on the Chris Haughton book of the same name. Follow the delightful and surprising journey of three madcap characters, each of whom has a plan to capture a beautiful bird perched high in a tree! Sounds simple, but the quest soon becomes an obsession and the obsession becomes the absurd! Where will it all end? Join us as the characters learn to love and look after nature while discovering that perhaps freedom and kindness are more important than getting what you want at any cost! Prepare to be enchanted and amazed by this unique and engaging production featuring Magic, Music, Puppetry and lots lots more!
Created and Directed by Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney. Music by Garth McConaghie.
For more information on reserved school group performances, please visit our School Programs page. Afternoon performance is open to the public.
This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. As Harriet and her friend Sarah Bradford, narrate her adventurous life, we share in the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave women who changed the world through her courage. This accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson is at turns inspiring, heart-warming, and comical, full of the good humor, determination and the charity of its subject. The audience will find a new appreciation for Harriet Tubman and a deeper understanding of her times.
Virginia Rep on Tour, founded in 1975 as Theatre IV, has been internationally acclaimed for excellence as a theatre for young audiences. February 1st, 2002 Virginia Rep on Tour’s production of Buffalo Soldier was performed, by request, at the Pentagon to open their celebration of Black History Month. The company performs live for over 500,000 students, parents and teachers each year throughout 33 states and the District of Columbia.
For more information on reserved school group performances, please visit our School Programs page. Afternoon performance is open to the public.
Through his Emmy Award winning work on “So You Think You Can Dance”, Travis Wall has established himself as one of America’s favorite choreographers. His artistic direction of SHAPING SOUND has already produced one spell-binding show inDance Reimagined, which has captivated audiences all across North America. Now, Travis and SHAPING SOUND are back with their brand new show, After the Curtain. These visual musicians continue to dazzle audiences as they tell the story of a man fighting to find his creative voice after the death of his one true love. Heart-wrenching, breath-taking and ultimately uplifting, this is one dance show that audiences will remember forever.
Public on-sale begins at 10am on July 10th. Click here to learn about becoming a Charleston Gaillard Center member to receive advance ticket purchase opportunities.
Can two friends break away from the city to live their dreams?
On Harlem’s 145th Street, teenage best friends Darius and Twig dream of a world beyond the confines of their daily lives. Darius is a writer, whose latest story might be published in a magazine–if only he can keep his alter ego, a fierce falcon, in check. And Twig is a runner, whose speed and endurance might bring him a scholarship–if only he can impress college scouts at an upcoming meet. But with Darius’s mother barely scraping by, pressure from Twig’s uncle to give up racing, and bullies Midnight and Tall Boy constantly on their case, these true-blue allies may not truly be free to use their gifts.
Based on the award-winning novel by Walter Dean Myers, this captivating tale about the power of friendship takes the late author’s “unerring eye for what’s real and meaningful in life” (Newsday) to depict visceral scenes of inner-city struggle with sensitivity and wit. Street-smart and suspenseful, playful and profound, Darius & Twig is ultimately the story of two young men who must overcome obstacles by finding the best within themselves.
For more information on reserved school group performances, please visit our School Programs page. Afternoon performance is open to the public.